Republican presidential debate: 'Putin salivating' as Ramaswamy goes on anti-Ukraine rant

Trump's senior advisor said he will not attend the fourth GOP debate in December in Alabama.

Each candidate answered a question on abortion rights during the debate, with Haley getting the loudest applause from her answer.

Haley is likely the most moderate candidate on the stage when it comes to abortion rights, asking to find consensus on the issue.

The other candidates took more hard-line stances on the issue.

Haley got the most questions during Wednesday's debate, and Scott spoke the longest.

Scott spoke for a total of 18:59 minutes, while DeSantis spoke the least at 16:07 minutes.

The debate has come to an end as five Republican candidates leave the stage after two hours of debating.

After two hours of debating, the Republican candidates are making their closing arguments in the GOP's third presidential primary debate.

Trump fans have turned out in their thousands to hear the Republican frontrunner speak at a rally 10 miles up the road.

In a defiant speech, the former president vowed "obliterate" the "deep state", while repeating his old slogan of "making America great again".

When asked about bans on TikTok, Ramaswamy said that Haley made fun of him in the last debate for joining TikTok.

He said to Haley: "Her own daughter was actually using the app for a long time, so you might want to take care of your family first."

Haley fired back: "Leave my daughter out of your voice!"

The crowd in the debate hall booed loudly as Ramaswamy made the comment.

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Chants of Donald Trump’s name broke out in the crowd at the GOP’s third presidential primary debate in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday night.

A video posted to X shows the crowd chanting: “Trump, Trump, Trump!”

An NBC producer immediately yelled at the crowd to stop as the Republican candidates onstage spoke.

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Forty-five minutes into the debate, most of the candidates are focusing their attacks on Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Ramaswamy has aimed most of his attacked at his fellow candidates.

Ramaswamy blasted both Haley and DeSantis for wearing heels, saying they're "Dick Cheney in 3-inch heels."

The comment was aimed at both candidates.

Haley said in response: "I wear heels and they’re not for a fashion statement. They’re for ammunition."

Both DeSantis and Haley echoed their support for Israel.

DeSantis called for the release of hostages and the surrender of Hamas.

Both supported Israel's right to defend itself.

Nikki Haley has been known for her punchy one-liners at the GOP debates.

In response to Ramaswamy's attacks, she said: "They’re 5-inch heels, and I don’t wear them unless I can run in them."

DeSantis has long flexed his official government position to support his campaign since the war broke out.

He has spoken about evacuating Americans from Gaza on Florida Division of Emergency Management flights and sending medical aid and supplies to Israel.

During his first answer on Wednesday night, Vivek Ramaswamy attacked the Republican National Committee (RNC).

He has had longstanding conflict with RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel.

The candidate also attacked the media and decided to blast them instead of explain why he should be the nominee.

Ramaswamy is in a clear fighting mood tonight - but with the moderators, not his opponents.

DeSantis attacked Trump during his first answer, making it clear he's going to go after the former president during tonight's debate.

DeSantis said in his first answer: "What we saw last night, I’m sick of Republicans losing."

The third Republican presidential primary debate has officially begun in Miami, Florida.

Haley and DeSantis are standing next to each other.

Donald Trump has chosen to skip the past three GOP debates, citing his large polling advantage.

Instead of debating, Trump has been holding various events as counter-programming.

On Wednesday night, he will hold a campaign rally in Hialeah, Florida, just 10 miles northwest of where his primary rivals will be debating.

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows that Donald Trump narrowly leads President Joe Biden - 49 percent to 45 percent among registered voters - in a hypothetical rematch.

Primary matchups suggest a Biden vs. Trump election is the most likely scenario as of now.

Ron DeSantis' special guests at tonight's debate will include some people who were evacuated from Israel back to Florida, according to a senior campaign official.

Following Hamas' attack on Israel, DeSantis issued an executive order allowing Florida to send planes for Americans stranded in Israel.

While Ron DeSantis was expected to be the clear Trump alternative, he has been stuck in a fierce fight for second place with Nikki Haley.

And then there’s Vivek Ramaswamy, an eager debater who has played a central role in the first two debates.

Here’s what to watch for during tonight’s debate.

The two-hour debate will begin at 8pm ET on Wednesday.

It will be moderated by NBC’s Lester Holt and Kristen Welker, as well as nationally syndicated Salem Radio Network talk show host Hugh Hewitt.

Good afternoon, I'm Isabelle Durso reporting from New York. I'll be bringing you the latest updates on tonight's GOP primary debate.

Tips or comments? Email isabelle.durso@reachplc.com