In a heated and sometimes tense presidential debate, the five candidates running for the highest office in the United States shared their views on foreign policy, with a particular focus on Israel’s conflict with Hamas and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

 
While there was some common ground on the Israeli issue, sharp divisions emerged over the question of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Unity on Israel-Hamas Conflict:

The candidates found themselves in rare agreement when discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his straightforward approach, minced no words. He declared, “I’d be telling Bibi: Finish the job once and for all with these butchers,” referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his nickname. It was a sentiment echoed by the other candidates, demonstrating a united front on this particular foreign policy issue.

Sharp Divisions on Ukraine:

In stark contrast to the unity seen on the Israel-Hamas issue, the candidates sharply disagreed on whether the United States should continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the contenders, left no room for ambiguity in expressing his stance. He issued a lengthy rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while accusing Ukraine of harboring Nazism and anti-democratic beliefs. This stance raised eyebrows and drew strong reactions from his fellow candidates.

Tensions Over TikTok:

An unexpected point of contention during the debate revolved around the Chinese-owned social media platform, TikTok. While most candidates were critical of the platform, Vivek Ramaswamy stood out as the lone dissenter, highlighting his use of TikTok as a campaign tool. This led to a heated exchange, with Ramaswamy indirectly referencing Nikki Haley’s daughter’s use of the app, a comment that visibly angered Haley. She retorted, “Leave my daughter out of your voice,” before dismissing Ramaswamy as “scum.”

Christie and Scott: The Fringe Candidates:

Throughout the debate, it became apparent that Chris Christie and Tim Scott were receiving limited attention from the other candidates. The three leading contenders seemed to view Christie and Scott as lagging far behind in the polls, leading to a lack of engagement with them on most issues. Consequently, Christie and Scott largely remained on the periphery of the discussion.

A Surprise Appearance by Tim Scott’s Girlfriend:

In a surprising turn of events, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott introduced his girlfriend, Mindy Noce, to the public for the first time at the conclusion of the third presidential debate. Scott had been notably private about his dating life, even withholding his girlfriend’s name in an earlier interview with the Washington Post. The revelation of their relationship added a personal touch to an otherwise contentious debate.

The presidential race continues to heat up, with foreign policy debates like these shedding light on where each candidate stands on crucial international issues. As the election draws nearer, voters will undoubtedly consider these positions when making their choices. #featured