Republican debate: Indian-American Ramaswamy calls US support to Ukraine 'disastrous'

What to Know , Heading Into the First , Republican Presidential Debate. On August 23, eight presidential candidates will speak at the first Republican debate, but the leading candidate, Donald Trump, will be absent. On August 23, eight presidential candidates will speak at the first Republican debate, but the leading candidate, Donald Trump, will be absent. 'The New York Times' reports that the debate offers candidates their first chance to make an impression and present themselves as viable alternatives to Trump. 'The New York Times' reports that the debate offers candidates their first chance to make an impression and present themselves as viable alternatives to Trump. The key for them is not to focus on each other but the person who’s at the top. You gotta punch up, Senator Mitt Romney, via 'The New York Times'. According to the 'NYT,' one of the main topics of debate is likely to be Trump and the number of criminal indictments he is currently facing. . According to the 'NYT,' one of the main topics of debate is likely to be Trump and the number of criminal indictments he is currently facing. . Policies on abortion and the ongoing war in Ukraine, two topics which have divided the GOP, are also likely to be heavily debated. . Policies on abortion and the ongoing war in Ukraine, two topics which have divided the GOP, are also likely to be heavily debated. . Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the GOP has been unable to unite on a central abortion stance. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has pushed for a federal 15-week ban, while former Vice President Mike Pence has supported a six-week ban. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has pushed for a federal 15-week ban, while former Vice President Mike Pence has supported a six-week ban. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has adopted a more neutral stance, saying that the decision on abortion should be left to each individual state. Another likely focus, according to the 'NYT,' is leading Trump rival Ron DeSantis, who has been facing a string of bad press and declining popularity in the polls. . DeSantis will be one of the eight potential candidates to take the stage on August 23. . Other candidates to appear at the debate include entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. . Other candidates to appear at the debate include entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.