Republican debate: Trump rivals go after him; ‘Missing in action,’ Ron DeSantis says

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 Acquire Licensing Rights SIMI VALLEY, California, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called Donald Trump “missing in action” 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. “He should be on this stage tonight,” DeSantis said, drawing applause from the audience…