Fourth GOP debate: Vivek Ramaswamy torches Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis for ‘licking Donald Trump’s boots for years’

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA: During the fourth GOP debate at the University of Alabama, Vivek Ramaswamy did not hold back while talking to his fellow candidates Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Chris Christie. He accused them of “licking Donald Trump’s boots for years” as the debate raged on.

Trump was once again absent from the debate, much like the earlier ones.

Although entrepreneur Ramaswamy, former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie actively participated in the debate, the discussion inevitably revolved around the notable absence of the former president, keeping him a prominent subject of conversation.

Following the questions posed to each candidate on Trump, Ramaswamy called out the other three candidates. Moreover, the internet seemed to agree with Ramaswamy as several X users supported the entrepreneur’s remarks.

Vivek Ramaswamy calls out Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis for ‘licking Donald Trump's boots’

In the opening moments of the debate, the first question regarding immigration and Donald Trump's stance on the issue was directed to Nikki Haley.

Expressing her support for a ban on immigration from countries deemed threatening to the United States, she also expressed reservations about the viability of Trump's proposed travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries.

Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in on the discussion, highlighting the mass migration in Europe and its correlation with an alleged increase in antisemitism on the continent.

He said, “We should not be importing people from cultures which are hostile.”

During the debate, Ramaswamy addressed the issue of existing illegal immigrants and emphasized the need to utilize the provisions already present in the law to take action against individuals who were already in the US unlawfully.

When Chris Christie was asked about comments made by Trump regarding being a dictator on day one, the former governor of New Jersey characterized Trump's behavior as "completely predictable" in his response.

Christie went on to describe Trump as an "angry, bitter" individual driven by a desire for "retribution."

The former New Jersey governor highlighted his three rivals, stating that they were seemingly comfortable with the idea of Trump being nominated even if the former president faced legal convictions.

Christie continued to express his strong stance, asserting that Trump's conduct was "unacceptable" and deeming him "unfit" for office.

He criticized Trump for prioritizing his own interests, stating, "He doesn't care for the American people. It's Donald Trump first."

This perspective was met with disapproval from the audience, as they responded with boos.

In response to a question about Trump's age and mental fitness for the presidency, DeSantis commented that "Father time is undefeated," highlighting Trump's advancing age and the fact that he would be nearly 80 years old if he were to assume presidency again.

DeSantis expressed doubt about Trump's mental fitness, pointing to instances like not firing Dr Fauci and not fulfilling promises to "drain the swamp" during his time in office.

Christie pressed the issue, asking his fellow candidates directly if they believed Trump was fit for the presidency.

He challenged the notion of avoiding offense against Trump, suggesting that if candidates were afraid to criticize Trump, they might struggle in dealing with international leaders like President Xi, the Ayatollah, or Putin.

Ramaswamy took a critical stance, accusing his fellow candidates on the debate stage of being subservient to Trump.

He specifically took a jab at DeSantis, implying that he secured the governorship with assistance from the former president.

Ramaswamy said, “Here’s my issue with all three of my other colleagues on this debate stage- All three of them have been licking Donald Trump’s boots for years for money and endorsements.”

He then slammed the Florida governor, adding, “Ron DeSantis, you’ve been a great governor but you would've never been one without actually begging Donald Trump for that endorsement.”

He attacked the other two candidates, declaring, “Same thing with Nikki Haley, same thing with Chris Christie. As a lobbyist, begging them for Covid money for special interest in New Jersey, prepping him for debates last time around.”

Ramaswamy continued, “These people are now Monday morning quarterbacking some decision he made. I think the real enemy is not Donald Trump, it’s not even Joe Biden. It is the deep state that at least Donald Trump attempted to take on.”

He then spoke up for himself as he said, “And you want somebody who’s gonna speak truth to power, then vote for somebody who’s gonna speak the truth to you. Why I am the only person on this stage at least who can say, that January 6 now does look like it was an inside job? That the government lies to us for 20 years about Saudi Arabians' involvement in 9/11?”

Internet agrees with Vivek Ramaswamy

After Vivek Ramaswamy slammed Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Chris Christie for “licking Donald Trump’s boots,” several X users supported his remarks.

One person wrote, “Vivek is the only one who hasn’t used President Trump to further their Political careers then bash him. Much respect to him for not being afraid to speak truth about the Deep State Establishment, Jan.6, the stolen 2020 election.”

Another added, “Once again, Vivek won this debate.”

One more X user simply lauded Ramaswamy, writing, “Get ‘em @VivekGRamaswamy. This was so refreshing. I really appreciate you saying how Americans feel out loud!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Another commented, “Vivek for the win yet again!” and one more person said, “I don’t think anyone has ever laid as much controversial truth down in a presidential debate as Vikek did tonight.”

“Love how they shut him down about the election. Typical media shills . It was stolen,” said another X user.