BREAKING: Scott And Haley CLASH During GOP Debate As Candidates Tackle Energy And Abortion

On Wednesday evening, seven Republican presidential candidates took to the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California for the second GOP presidential debate hosted by Fox News and Univision. The debate started at 6 PM PST.

The candidates taking the stage include Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former Vice President Mike Pence, former Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), and Gov. Doug Burgam (R-SD).

After a quick break, the moderators turned the debate to American energy where Pence emphasized the return of energy independence in the United States and argued that the country needs to reclaim its mantle as the biggest energy producer in the world.

After being interrupted by Burgum, Haley attacked Ron DeSantis by claiming that he was against fracking and offshore drilling, and he took green subsidies. In response, DeSantis said that he would lower gas prices and get the job done. Haley went on to reiterate that the Florida governor banned fracking under his administration.

Gov. DeSantis was then asked about student loan forgiveness. He argued that colleges should be held accountable for their lackluster degrees. The governor then took the opportunity to discuss his enlistment in the military following 9/11.

The moderators then pitted Sen. Scott against Gov. Haley where he argued that a balanced budget amendment needs to be passed in Washington and the economy needs to grow to handle the national debt. He also said that he would bring back factory jobs back to the United States.

Haley then responded to Scott who he blasted his record by voting for increased spending and demanding where he has been for the past 12 years to tackle spending. DeSantis intervened and said that he has brought results to Florida and thanks to his success, the state Democratic Party is in ruins.

Burgum once again interrupted and voiced his record on energy, economy, national security, and border security. The moderator was then asked about the shrinking of government and he explained that he has a record in North Dakota that proves that he can do just that.

The Fox hosts then turned to Gov. DeSantis about the impact of abortion and how he would win independent, pro-choice voters. DeSantis said that he would repeat his Florida midterm strategy and blasted President Trump for his recent comments on the pro-life movement. He also said that Republicans should hold Democrats accountable for supporting abortion up to birth.

Gov. Christie explained that Republicans need to try to win blue states and that he vetoed Planned Parenthood funding 14 times during his tenure in New Jersey. He also took the opportunity to explain that the GOP needs to be pro-life both in and out of the womb.

Vice President Pence was then asked about how he would reach out to Latino voters. He said that his campaign would reach out to all constituencies and explained that the Trump economy led to the lowest unemployment numbers for all minority communities.

Sen. Scott once again went after Gov. Haley alleging that she spent millions on curtains, a claim that Haley refuted.

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