Preparing to Fact-Check the First G.O.P. Debate: A Misstatement Sampler

Through stump speeches and statements on the campaign trail, the Republican presidential contenders have hinted at what they might say on the debate stage. Here’s a look at their possible lines.

Credit...Photographs by John Tully, Joe Buglewicz, Christian Monterrosa, Ryan David Brown and Kathryn Gamble

Wednesday night’s Republican primary debate offers contenders an opportunity to refine their message.

By Anjali Huynh

Aug. 23, 2023

The top contenders in the Republican presidential primary — minus the most important one — will face off Wednesday night in the first debate of the 2024 race. The debate will provide the candidates, many who are relatively unknown to voters, an opportunity to refine their message and to test their attacks on rivals, hoping to deliver a zinger to stand out in a crowded field.

Those statements may include exaggerations or outright misinformation about a host of subjects, like inflation, immigration, foreign policy and cultural issues. The candidates’ stump speeches and previous statements offer a glimpse of what the debate audience might hear.

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Anjali Huynh covers politics for The Times. More about Anjali Huynh