FactChecking the First GOP Debate
FactcheckMAY 2023
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This debate proved that Trump is the Republican Party, and at the end of the day, there’s no way to distinguish between the two. Even when given a chance to disavow support for Trump if he becomes a convicted felon, most of the eight people on stage chose fealty to the frontrunner. They never challenged him and instead attacked each other, leaving the door open for Trump to dominate the party.
Republican narrative
A talented crop of candidates – and alternatives to Trump – was on display in the debate. Each one played to his or her strengths and presented a vision of the future, unlike Trump, who’s seemingly stuck in 2020. If Trump thought he was wise to skip the debate, he was proven wrong.
Pro-Trump narrative
This debate — resembling a Trump vice president audition — was a waste of time. Trump already has the nomination in the bag, so the donors should keep their money, and the party should rally around the former president. Given the rift between Fox News and the former president, skipping the debate was a no-brainer for the runaway frontrunner.