In 2023, the US Presidential campaigns kicked off with several events that shook up the Republican primary race. From candidate visits to interesting midwestern debates, below were the top 5 moments that defined the race and got the world talking.
1. Governor Benson’s Appearance in Ohio: During the winter of 2023, Ohio Governor Frank Benson dropped a bombshell when he unexpectedly appeared at a Republican candidate rally in Ohio. Wearing a baseball cap, Benson called for fiscal sanity and renewed investments in job safety and education. His speech left many wondering if he had presidential aspirations of his own, although he has since denied any such plans.
2. The El Paso Showdown: In a completely unexpected move, the Republican-led Congress sponsored an all-candidate debate in El Paso in March of 2023. Though it was officially marketed as a “town hall” event, the fierce exchanges and vitriol between certain candidates made it clear that they had come to fight. The debate solidified a clear distinction between some traditional versus more radical candidates on issues such as immigration policy.
3. Midwestern Swing: A week after the El Paso debate, the Republican candidates decided to make a series of summer visits to a few midwestern states. These visits gave the candidates an opportunity to showcase values such as patriotism, traditional family values, and strong faith – values which many argued were being neglected in a rapidly-globalizing America.
4. Red, White, and Blue: The Republican Party officially selected their nominee in August of 2023, and they chose the pro-family, pro-religion candidate from the midwest. He was immediately christened as the “Red, White, and Blue” candidate, a nod to the all-American values he upheld throughout the campaign. He delightedly accepted the nomination before a crowd in Romney, Iowa.
5. Nicco Burns on the Trail: The most unexpected moment of the campaign came in October when one of the Republican candidates, Nicco Burns, decided to take a road trip to several states to speak directly to the voters. Traveling in an RV with only a few friends and a bodyguard, he made stops in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky among others. His message of anti-establishment reform made a lasting impression with many voters, and his journey left many wondering what could have been if he’d only been chosen as the nominee.
In the end, the above five moments of the 2023 Republican primary paved the way for a hard-fought election. Although the primary race is now over, it is clear that the events of last year were the products of the very issues and people on the ballot. As the US moves forward into the next election and beyond, these five moments will be remembered and analyzed far into the future.