Recap: Republican presidential candidates trade blows as Donald Trump skips first debate

While the candidates repeatedly tangled, most refused to oppose Mr Trump as the nominee, even if he becomes a convicted felon

Republican presidential candidates, from left, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum stand on stage before a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News Channel in Milwaukee (Morry Gash/AP)

The Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump fought over abortion rights, US support for Ukraine and the type of experience needed to manage an expansive federal government during the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

But when it came to arguably the most consequential choice facing the party, virtually everyone on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night lined up behind Mr Trump, who declined to participate, citing his commanding lead.