Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie went toe-to-toe in Alabama Wednesday. What to know about the latest GOP clash.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley immediately emerged as the target for her Republican rivals during the fourth primary debate. Why it matters: Haley is battling Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the second place spot in the Republican primary polls, and she fielded attacks from her rivals within minutes of the debate's opening.

The former president still held a major presence over the debate stage, however, who holds a healthy lead in preliminary polling for the next GOP presidential nominee. Meanwhile, Haley and DeSantis wasted no time taking the battle for second place to the debate stage, while Christie and Ramaswamy fought to stay in the race.

The Republican debate in Alabama on Wednesday night was one last chance for candidates to trade attacks and stake out positions before voting starts in the 2024 primary

Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and Vivek Ramaswamy face off at the fourth Republican presidential nomination debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Donald Trump skipped out again

Trump once again loomed over debate as as personal attacks flew and Vivek Ramaswamy was booed for notebook stunt

It wasn’t for lack of provocation. The night was full of other, bitter exchanges — between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, between Christie and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, between Ramaswamy and, well, anyone in his line of sight.

Just four candidates faced off in Tuscaloosa Wednesday night, the smallest field yet on a 2024 GOP presidential debate stage.

With the Iowa caucuses rapidly approaching, a shrinking field of Republican White House hopefuls gathered Wednesday in Alabama for the fourth presidential debate. As usual, former President Donald Trump,

Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy meet in fourth GOP primary debate in Tuscaloosa, Ala. at the University of Alabama.