An introduction to the Republican contenders through the first debate

This was initially published on my Substack right after the debate. Since that time, a number of candidates have dropped out.

The first RNC debate marks a key moment in the contest for the Republican nomination for president — and also helps define who the contenders are. For many likely primary voters, this debate was their first chance to put the alternatives next to each other and compare them. As an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina, I’m eligible to participate in either party’s primaries, so that includes…