The GOP debate rages on, and it’s easy to recognize that President Trump is the most important person not in the room.
While Fox News did their best to avoid talking too much about Trump, that inevitably had to end.
The moderators asked the eight candidates if they’d support President Donald Trump if he became the nominee.
The results were interesting.
Four candidates raised their hands immediately.
Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Doug Burgum raised their hands quickly.
Ron DeSantis and former vice president Mike Pence hesitated before raising their hands as well.
To nobody’s surprise, Chris Christie did not raise his hand, nor did Asa Hutchinson.
Six candidates say they'd still SUPPORT Trump if he's convicted of a crime and becomes GOP nominee https://t.co/yvfHhEigm9 pic.twitter.com/bOoAOrLgi8
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 24, 2023
Daily Mail has the story:
Only two of eight candidates on the debate stage on Wednesday said that they would not support Donald Trump as the GOP nominee if he is convicted of a crime in one of the handful of indictments against him.
When asked to raise their hands if they would still keep their RNC signed pledge to support the nominee even if Trump is convicted, Vivek Ramaswamy was the first to shoot up his arm. He was followed by Tim Scott and Nikki Haley and then Doug Burgum, who is nursing an injured leg. Ron DeSantis was next and then former Vice President Mike Pence.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie put his hand up, but not to agree with the statement, but to wag his fingers at his opponents on stage. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also did not raise his hand to say he would support Trump if convicted and the GOP nominee.
Here’s what happened when the candidates were asked about their support for Trump:
BREAKING: Four GOP candidates on the Fox debate stage raised their hand when asked if they would support Trump for president if he becomes the GOP nominee.
After DeSantis and Pence looked around, they reluctantly raised their hands too.
Vivek then took the opportunity to praise… pic.twitter.com/C0XC5ClWU2
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/LeadingReport/status/1694531855926653318?s=20
Some called out DeSantis for looking around before answering…
WOW! Very telling moment as candidates are asked if they’d support a convicted Donald Trump as the party’s choice.
Ramaswamy immediately raises hand.
Haley and Scott follow.
DeSantis hesitates and looks first to see if others have raised hands before raising hand.
Pence… pic.twitter.com/V3G9KIanaJ
— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) August 24, 2023
"Would you support Trump if he got the nomination"
A picture speaks a thousand words. DeSantis looking to see, and then the COWARDS on the left…
DO. NOT. VOTE. FOR. THOSE. ON. THE. LEFT. pic.twitter.com/KOSS7mibqS
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) August 24, 2023
🤣 Asked to raise their hand if they would support a convicted President Trump. @VivekGRamaswamy instantly raises his hand as @RonDeSantis looks around for approval. BETA MALE ROB #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/4ose1GEw5H
— miguelifornia (@miguelifornia) August 24, 2023
When asked if you will support Trump if convicted @VivekGRamaswamy without hesitation raises his hand
The others wait to hear the crowd reaction before timidly raising their hands
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) August 24, 2023
The fact that DeSantis had to look around for confirmation first when asked if he would still support Trump if convicted speaks volumes.
https://t.co/6rLj3HnqZD— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) August 24, 2023
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy grilled Christie following his refusal to support Trump:
.@VivekGRamaswamy DESTROYS Chris Christie after he refuses to support Trump if he's convicted.
Vivek to Chris Christie: "Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and… pic.twitter.com/4Bw8NARTVo
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 24, 2023