Five takeaways from the second GOP debate

Seven Republican presidential contenders took the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., on Wednesday for the second GOP debate, sparring over their records in lively back-and-forths.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum qualified for the second debate. Former President Trump skipped the second debate to talk to current and former union workers in addition to non-union workers in Michigan.

The debate at times grew heated, often making it difficult for the moderators to control the discussion. It’s unclear if the second GOP debate will move the needle enough to narrow the gap between Trump and any of the candidates.