In a highly anticipated Republican debate held in Miami, Florida, former President Donald Trump's absence loomed large as his rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley vied for attention and support. The debate, which marked the third event that Trump had skipped, saw DeSantis and Haley attempt to position themselves as the best alternatives to the front-runner.

With the Iowa state nominating contest just over two months away, both candidates are running out of time to make an impact. Haley, a former South Carolina governor and Trump's former UN ambassador, has gained momentum in recent weeks, while DeSantis, the current governor of Florida, has maintained a steady second place behind Trump in the polls.

Despite Trump's absence, the candidates refrained from harshly criticizing him, aware that they will need his supporters if they hope to secure the Republican nomination. However, experts suggest that the time for playing it safe may be over, and the candidates will need to directly address Trump's shortcomings if they want to make substantial gains in the race.

While DeSantis enjoyed the home advantage in Florida, being able to tout his accomplishments as governor, Haley's foreign policy experience, particularly her time at the UN, could give her an edge in the debate. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict also provided an opportunity for candidates to showcase their stance on foreign policy. Both candidates expressed unwavering support for Israel, with DeSantis going so far as to promise to tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "finish the job once and for all with these butchers Hamas."

Aside from DeSantis and Haley, the debate also featured former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and US Senator Tim Scott. While these candidates sought to assert their relevance and find a path forward, the night ultimately belonged to DeSantis and Haley as they battled for recognition and support.

In the backdrop of the debate, Trump held his own rally in the heavily Hispanic city of Hialeah, where he attempted to court Hispanic voters by likening the criminal cases against him to political prosecutions in repressive countries. Despite the unsubstantiated nature of his claims, it seems to have resonated with many Hispanic voters who have experienced similar repressive regimes in their home countries.

As the race for the Republican nomination intensifies, all eyes are on the candidates to see who can break through and gain substantial support. With Trump still maintaining a commanding lead in the polls, the challenge for DeSantis, Haley, and the other candidates is to convince voters that they are the best alternative and have what it takes to lead the party to victory in the 2024 presidential election.