Haley and DeSantis Face Off in Crucial Debate Ahead of Iowa Caucuses

As Trump Skips the Event, Republican Rivals Aim to Position Themselves as the Primary Alternative in the 2024 Presidential Race

Republican rivals Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are set to face off in a one-on-one debate, with both candidates aiming to position themselves as the primary alternative to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
The debate is seen as a crucial opportunity for both candidates to change the trajectory of the race before the Iowa caucuses.
Haley has been gaining ground in New Hampshire, with some polls showing her within striking distance of Trump, especially if support for anti-Trump candidate Chris Christie were to flow to her.
DeSantis, who has practically lived in Iowa for months and moved his national campaign headquarters there, is eager to finish no worse than second in the Iowa caucuses.
Despite a series of recent gaffes, Haley's campaign has come under fresh scrutiny from both her GOP rivals and President Joe Biden, indicating that she is seen as a rising contender.