With Trump absent again, DeSantis and Haley trade barbs at debate

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis smiles as Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks as they participate in the Republican candidates' presidential debate hosted by CNN at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. January 10, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) -Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley came out swinging at Wednesday's Republican presidential debate, as the two candidates sought to emerge as the leading alternative to Donald Trump just days before the campaign's first votes are cast.

But with the former president absent once again from the debate stage, the rivals focused most of their ammunition on each other, rather than the clear frontrunner in the race.