DLNews Politics:

The winner is Donald J. Trump (77). And then another "skinny guy with a weird name." And a woman.

The battle for the White House begins!

Eight presidential candidates from America's Republicans argued in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) last night during their first TV debate on the 2024 US election. The elephant in the room was absent: Ex-President Donald Trump, the overwhelming favorite with 51 percent, skipped the debate because he wanted to avoid the attacks of the others.

Ex-President Donald Trump did not attend the TV debate of his internal party competitors. Instead, he was interviewed by Tucker Carlson on Twitter (Now X) at the same time slot as the debate.

His tactic worked.

It was almost an hour before Fox News anchors Bret Baier, 53, and Martha MacCallum, 59, talked about Trump and his four criminal cases. And immediately, the hall trembled.

These Republicans would support Trump.

"If Donald Trump were found guilty in a criminal court, would you still support him as your party's choice? If so, raise your hand," Baier said.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (38) immediately shot up his hand. It was followed by Trump's UN ambassador Nikki Haley (51). As the crowd erupted in cheers, the writings of South Carolina Senator Tim Scotts (57), North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums (67), and Mike Pence (64, Trump's ex-Vice President) also went up.

Arguing with six other candidates at the first Republican televised debate: Mike Pence (64, Trump's ex-Vice President) and Ron DeSantis (44).

Meanwhile, Trump's most dangerous opponent, Ron DeSantis (44), first looked at what the others were doing. Then he, the governor of Florida, raised his hand too. Trump happily posted the situation on his social network.

Chris Christie (60, ex-governor of New Jersey) also raised his hand but shook it. What now?

Only Asa Hutchinson (72, ex-governor of Arkansas) held back. But he is considered an extra without a chance anyway, who also wanted to stand in front of an audience of millions.

The moment summed up the core of the debate: Almost none of the candidates dared to criticize Donald Trump. Only his intimate enemy, Chris Christie, said at one point: "Regardless of whether one believes the criminal process to be right or wrong, his conduct was beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States."

He earned angry boos.

Of course, the debate was also about issues. But mostly everyone agreed. All were in favor of an abortion ban. Everyone wants to close America's border. Everyone wants less debt and lower taxes at the same time. And everyone agreed: Joe Biden (80) has to go!

Opinions differed only on the subject of Ukraine. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy said they oppose military aid to Kyiv. That puts them in line with Trump.

The other insights

The significant challenger, Ron DeSantis, remained pale and was ignored by the other candidates. Signal: You need to take the number two seriously.

- Nikki Haley (r.) with Vivek Ramaswamy (l) criticized Trump's spending policy.

Vivek Ramaswamy (9 percent) was the winner of the round. He got laughs when he introduced himself ("Who's that skinny guy with the weird name?"). When he explained that America was in a "dark moment" and meant crime and the woke movement, there was even an ovation from the audience. Ramaswamy also repeatedly defended Donald Trump and his policies, distinguishing himself as his possible deputy.

Nikki Haley was the second winner. She criticized Trump's spending policy and distanced herself from her old boss. She admitted there is climate change, called for more military aid to Ukraine, and favors an abortion ban - but only after 15 weeks. A center candidate who could take undecided voters from Biden. Message: I don't want to be Vice President; I want to be the first woman in the Oval Office.

Mike Pence was also strong. His problem: he has to defend Trump's policy since he was his deputy. Referring to the fact that he broke with Trump in storming the US Capitol, he said: "I will always vote for the Constitution."

Nevertheless, Trump remains the favorite. The audience's reactions- and his opponents' raised hands - left no doubt about that.