These top 5 moments from the presidential campaign trail in 2023 defined the Republican primary race

1. Senator John Smith’s Speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference: One of the most memorable speeches of the campaign season, Senator Smith’s address to the CPAC was a rallying call for the conservative base, and set the tone for the rest of the primary race. 2. The Election of Tom Riley as Governor of Ohio: Tom Riley’s election to the Ohio governor’s mansion demonstrated the Republican Party’s commitment to the Midwest, a region that has been in decline for decades. Riley’s victory foreshadowed the Republican Party’s success come election night. 3. Former Vice President Joe Biden Launches His Presidential Bid: Although Biden would eventually end up dropping out of the race, his late entry sent shockwaves through the Republican establishment. He was seen as one of the frontrunners in the primary, and his entrance injected some much-needed energy into the Republican primary. 4. Senator Sarah Palin’s Endorsement of Donald Trump: Palin was previously seen as a potential rival for Trump in the primary race, but her endorsement of him was seen as a major win for him. It also solidified his status as the frontrunner in the race. 5. The First Debate: After months of anticipation, the first debate between the Republican candidates was widely considered to be one of the most entertaining debates since the 2016 election. There were strong performances from each of the candidates, although Trump clearly emerged as the victor.