Trump 'missing in action,' Ron DeSantis says as Republican debate begins

Republican U.S. presidential candidates pose together before the start of the second Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, U.S. September 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake

SIMI VALLEY, California (Reuters) -Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Donald Trump for skipping Wednesday's second Republican presidential debate where he and a half-dozen others sought a breakout moment that could weaken the former president's commanding hold on the primary contest.

"Donald Trump is missing in action," DeSantis said, drawing applause from the audience at the Ronald Reagan presidential library in Simi Valley, California. "He should be on this stage tonight. He owes it to you to defend his record."