The ratings for the first Republican debate of 2024 were far lower than those of the first Republican debate of 2016. While early polling showed viewers were looking forward to the debate, the long wait between the 2016 election and the 2024 election means that the GOP field for 2024 was far less established and familiar to the public. The lack of big name candidates and the general absence of a campaign dynamic meant that the debate drew far less attention than the spectacle of previous cycles. However, the debate was still an important moment that set the tone for the party ahead of the primaries, setting the stage for the various contenders to begin to further their messages and make their case to the public.
