The fourth Republican presidential primary debate was held yesterday in Alabama. Despite not participating in any of the debates, former President Donald Trump continues to lead in the polls. Many are crowning Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the winner of last night’s debate, citing his confidence and assertiveness as contributing factors to his improved performance.
Faculty experts at George Washington University are available to offer commentary, insights and analysis ahead of yesterday’s GOP debate. If you would like to speak with an expert, please contact GW Media Relations Specialists Tayah Frye at [email protected] or Cate Douglass at [email protected].
Todd Belt is the director of the Political Management Program at the GW Graduate School of Political Management. Belt is an expert on the presidency, campaigns and elections, mass media and politics, public opinion, and political humor. In addition to his expertise, Belt is co-author of four books and helps to run GW’s political poll. Belt can provide commentary on which candidates have made a greater impression since the last debate and what moves are gaining them support with voters.
Matthew Dallek, professor of political management, is a political historian whose intellectual interests include the intersection of social crises and political transformation, the evolution of the modern conservative movement, and liberalism and its critics. Dallek has authored and co-authored four books, including, “The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan’s First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics.” Dallek can discuss how Trump has maintained support despite not having participated in the debates.
Peter Loge is the director of the GW School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA). Loge has nearly 30 years of experience in politics and communications, including a presidential appointment at the Food and Drug Administration and senior positions for Sen. Edward Kennedy and three members of the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently leads the Project on Ethics in Political Communication at SMPA and continues to advise advocates and organizations. Loge can discuss candidate discourse around democracy and what he hopes to see from the candidates as well as Trump’s absence from the debates.
Danny Hayes, professor of political science, is an expert on campaigns and elections who can discuss the current election landscape and provide insights and analysis on current campaign strategies. Hayes can discuss the continued showdown between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as well as what we can expect to see from candidates leading up to the Iowa caucuses.
Christopher Warshaw, an associate professor of political science at the George Washington University, is an expert on redistricting, American politics, representation, public opinion, as well as state and local politics. Professor Warshaw can explain the redistricting process and how redistricting in key states could play a major role in the 2024 election.
