Absent from the event, Donald Trump, who remains the GOP's 2024 frontrunner, hosted a competing town hall. Despite his poll lead and absence, the debate in snowy Des Moines was pivotal for DeSantis and Haley. Both aimed to emerge as Trump's primary challenger and gain momentum from a strong showing in Iowa.

The debate kicked off with mutual insults. DeSantis branded Haley a "mealy-mouthed" politician, while she retorted by accusing him of dishonesty. The one-on-one format, hosted at Drake University by CNN, allowed for direct confrontation.

Both DeSantis and Haley sought a decisive victory at the debate, while Trump rallied supporters nearby. DeSantis criticized Trump for overlooking American families and questioned his capability to handle legal challenges. Haley expressed her view that Trump is unfit for the presidency, criticizing his handling of the pandemic, border security, and China relations.

Immigration and border issues were prominent, with DeSantis distrusting Haley's approach and her calling for the deportation of undocumented migrants. They also diverged on Ukraine, with Haley criticizing DeSantis's wavering stance on US aid, while he accused her of prioritizing Ukraine's border over the US southern border.

Reactions from the 200 audience members seemed in favor of DeSantis, with applause following his quip about Haley's "ballistic podiatry," though Iowa generally favors him more than Haley, who is predicted to do better in New Hampshire.

Haley had standout moments, like condemning the Capitol riot, while Trump, at his town hall event, enjoyed vocal support from his audience.

With the Iowa caucuses looming, both DeSantis and Haley need to win over Iowa voters to mount a substantial challenge to Trump's lead.