In a riveting display of party loyalty, the first GOP debate for the 2024 presidential race witnessed an intriguing question posed to the Republican candidates.

The question was simple yet profound: Would they continue to back former President Trump as the party’s nominee even if he were convicted in a court of law?

This question, asked by Fox News anchor and debate moderator Bret Baier, sparked a wave of reactions that are still reverberating through the political landscape.

The debate, held in Milwaukee from 9 to 11 p.m. Eastern, was a crucial platform for the low-polling Republican candidates to voice their support or dissent.

Earlier this year, the Republican National Committee (RNC) had urged all GOP primary candidates to pledge their support for the eventual nominee, regardless of who it might be.

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel emphasized this pledge was a prerequisite for participation in the GOP’s first primary debate.

McDaniel made her stance clear, stating, “If you’re going to be on the Republican National Committee debate stage asking voters to support you, you should say, ‘I’m going to support the voters and who they choose as the nominee’.”

This sentiment was echoed later when she added, “Anyone getting on the Republican national committee debate stage should be able to say, ‘I will support the will of the voters and the eventual nominee of our party.’”

As the night unfolded, the candidates, one by one, raised their hands, symbolizing their allegiance to the party’s choice, even if that choice were to be former President Trump in the wake of a legal conviction.

This unanimous show of support was a testament to the unwavering loyalty within the GOP ranks.

However, not all candidates were quick to pledge their support.

Ron DeSantis, for instance, was one of the last candidates to raise his hand when asked to support Trump. His hesitation was noted by many, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media.

In contrast, Asa Hutchinson stood out as the only candidate who refrained from raising his hand. His decision not to publicly endorse Trump under the given scenario sent a clear message about his stance.

Hutchinson stated, “I am not going to support somebody who has been convicted of a serious felony or who has been disqualified under our Constitution and that is consistent with RNC rules and I hope everyone would agree with me.”

Last month, Hutchinson had also expressed his disapproval of his GOP opponents discussing pardoning former President Trump if he were convicted in federal court. He deemed such discussions during a presidential campaign as inappropriate, further setting him apart from his fellow candidates.

The first GOP debate for the 2024 presidential race was a fascinating display of party loyalty, individual stances, and political strategy. As the race heats up, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics evolve and shape the future of the Republican Party.