Republican candidates, prominent Democrat had more to say after debate

Several of Donald Trump’s rivals stepped up their attacks against him in Wednesday’s second Republican presidential debate, urgently trying to dent the former president's commanding primary lead during an event that often seemed like an undercard without him. Trump went to Michigan, aiming to capitalize on the autoworkers’ strike in a key state that could help decide the general election. His competitors, meanwhile, were asked by Fox Business moderators at the Ronald Reagan library in California to participate in a reality show-style game where they would write who else onstage they would vote "off the island.” They refused. After Thursday night's debate, some of the candidates spoke to reporters in the post debate "spin room" at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy explained that he hopes to heal divisions in this country. And he explained where he thinks the real differences are. "The real divide is not between the people on that stage. It is not between Black and white or gay and straight or anything else. I think it is between a majority of Americans who believe in our shared national values and a fringe minority. I don't think this is all or even most Democrats. But a fringe minority that hates this country and our shared national values, that now have the Democrat party in a chokehold," Ramaswamy said. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also made an appearance, a rarity for a Republican presidential debate. He described himself as a "passionate and enthusiastic" supporter of Democratic President Joe Biden. He was particularly critical of Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, as disagreement over a budget deal in Washington, D.C. has the U.S. government in danger of shutting down within days. He described Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Republican representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Matt Gaetz of Florida as "three blind mice," walking the nation "off a cliff." North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum was briefly asked about the relationship between pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL football player Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Burnam gave a brief answer before trying to focus on other issues. "Well I love their music but I'm not a Chiefs fan," he said. ------------------ For More News and Videos SUBSCRIBE and Turn Notifications On https://bit.ly/2r0BEND Get a Digital Subscription to the Tampa Bay Times https://bit.ly/2Xinunj Follow us: Facebook ►   / tampabaycom   Twitter ►   / tb_times   Instagram ►   / tampabaytimes