Seven GOP candidates gathered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the second Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday night as thousands of voters tuned in to watch the presidential hopefuls — and post about it.
Present were North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. They discussed a variety of topics, from immigration to the economy to the deadly fentanyl epidemic throughout the night.
Missing from the debate was former President Donald Trump, although it was clear that nobody forgot about him, albeit with differing reactions.
Trump is not at debate. Trump assumes he’s the Republican candidate. Arrogance. People notice.
— A (@aeb3059) September 28, 2023
President Donald Trump won the debate by not debating in that circus.
— 🍊Patriot Ellie🩸ULTRAMAGA2024🇺🇸 (@lenlaly1) September 28, 2023
Already viral, the most notable criticism of Trump’s absence came from the debate stage when Christie coined the nickname “Donald Duck” for the former president, referring to his ducking out of the debate.
“You’re not here tonight because you’re afraid to defend your record. You’re ducking…We’re going to call you Donald Duck.” #GOPDebate #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/yed9vozOwU
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 28, 2023
This sent the phrase “Donald Duck” into the trending section on social media site X and garnered hundreds of reactions.
Donald Duck? I guess the writers’ strike is impacting the debate.
— Nicholas Shepack (@ShepackNicholas) September 28, 2023
You know he was drawing me in and then, Donald…DUCK??? <<record scratch>> https://t.co/K70uDw6UuZ
— Evan Parker (@EvanParkerPhD) September 28, 2023
“Donald Duck.” Best line of the night!#GOPDebate
— kathy hurley (@hurlgirl)
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