Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie opened the second GOP primary debate by taking shots at former President Donald Trump. Minutes after the debate began on Wednesday, Christie was asked if Trump's populism was to blame for a possible government shutdown.

The Trump campaign called on the Republican National Committee to cancel the “boring and inconsequential" debates.

Trump quickly brushed off the weak debate jab. But Christie is still pushing the nickname, and asserting, laughably, “I live in his head.”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn’t letting go of his nickname for former President Donald Trump — Donald Duck — for ducking the second GOP debate.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - Ron DeSantis finally went after Donald Trump by name during Wednesday's debate, saying he has been "missing in action" in addressing the nation's problems - and in debating his Republican rivals.

First-time candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was at the center of several heated exchanges, including one over his business ties to China that stemmed from a question about why he recently joined Chinese-owned TikTok: “Honestly every time I hear you,

DeSantis went after Trump with his first speaking opportunity at Wednesday night’s debate, joining former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in lambasting the ex-president’s absence.

The Trump campaign called on the Republican National Committee to cancel the “boring and inconsequential" debates.

Seven presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday night for the second Republican Debate, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took direct aim at Donald Trump, who was noticeably absent for Wednesday’s second Republican debate, accusing the former president of being afraid to defend his record and “ducking” his party opponents.