As his two main rivals squabbled in a heated debate on CNN , the front-runner in the 2024 race for the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump , spent an hour mocking them and suggesting he might bring the force of the presidency down upon his perceived enemies if he recaptures the White House.

It was an apt television split-screen example of the primary campaign that wasnt, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley spending their time attacking each other in a one-on-one Republican presidential debate while Trump coasts unharmed to a likely victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday.

During his town hall, Trump gloated about overturning Roe v. Wade, vowed to carry out mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, didnt deny that his businesses took in millions from other governments during his presidency and suggested that it would be not so bad for him to focus on retribution during a second term.

Im not going to have time for retribution. Were going to make this country so successful again Im not going to have time for retribution, said Trump, who has vowed to direct the Department of Justice to go after his political opponents.

Trump also poked fun at former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who dropped out of the race earlier on Wednesday. Trump said Christies exit was overshadowed by an apparent hot mic moment when Christie was caught criticizing Haley at a campaign event in New Hampshire.

The biggest story wasnt the fact that he dropped out. Nobody cared too much about that, Trump said mockingly.

Meanwhile, on CNN, both Haley and DeSantis said it was time for the GOP to move on from Trump. But they declined to outright attack him as unsuited for a return to the presidency.

I have said I think he was the right president at the time, Haley said. For me, its very much about no drama, no whining and getting results. I dont think that President Trump is the right president to go forward. I think its time for a new generation of leader.

She added: I wish Donald Trump was up on this stage. Hes the one Im running against.

Still, the two GOP rivals spent far more time going at each other than they did in addressing Trump. DeSantis accused Haley, who has gained momentum in polls of early primary states, of being beholden to big donors and of being inspired by Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and Trumps Democratic rival in 2016. Haley accused DeSantis of banning fracking and offshore drilling in Florida.

Youre so desperate. Youre just so desperate, Haley told DeSantis during one exchange over Social Security, adding that he was distorting her record.

DeSantis shot back by saying Haley has a problem with ballistic podiatry shooting herself in the foot every other day.

Trump, the polling leader in the 2024 race, is skipping the GOP primary debates and didnt appear at Wednesdays match-up two miles away from his town hall. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify for the debate.