In a stunning but not entirely unexpected turn of events, former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering bypassing the initial presidential debate scheduled for August and exploring the possibility of hosting a separate event instead, as reported by NBC News.
Trump’s reasoning, according to the same report, stems from his commanding lead in the polls and recent disagreements with Fox News, the network slated to broadcast the August debate.
While no final decision has been made, Trump’s advisers confirm that he is leaning towards sitting out the first debate and is actively weighing alternative options.
“But if he does not debate, I doubt he’s staying home,” claimed one of Trump’s trusted advisers to NBC News.
A precedent for such a move can be found in the 2016 Republican primaries when Trump opted out of the final debate before the Iowa caucuses, choosing instead to hold a charitable fundraising event for veterans.
Evidently, Trump understands that there are various avenues available for effectively engaging with the public and addressing pertinent issues.
Though Trump’s advisers have been urging him to participate in the debates, they acknowledge that the ultimate decision rests solely with the former president.
Trump, known for seeking multiple opinions, has sought advice from various individuals, including a Republican National Committee (RNC) official, as NBC News reports.
“He shops opinions with everyone and will get, like, 100 different opinions,” revealed an adviser familiar with Trump’s decision-making process. “He wants to know what everyone thinks but will ultimately do what he wants to do. In general, he is asking everyone, from the bellman to [RNC Chair] Ronna McDaniel.”
While there are those who encourage Trump to take part in the debate, they believe that he will only step onto the stage if there is a significant change in the polls, as indicated by a source cited by NBC News.
According to the Real Clear Politics (RCP) average for the 2024 national Republican primary, based on polls conducted between June 5 and June 20, Trump currently maintains an impressive lead of approximately 30 points over a crowded field of contenders.
Unsurprisingly, some of Trump’s rivals for the 2024 nomination have seized the opportunity to criticize his potential absence from the debates.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie went so far as to insinuate that Trump is “afraid,” while former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson accused him of playing the “victim card.”
The first Republican National Committee debate is scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in partnership with Fox News, Young America’s Foundation, and the streaming app Rumble.
Although the date for the second debate is yet to be confirmed, it will be held at the Reagan Library in California.
Several candidates, including Christie, Hutchinson, and former Texas Representative Will Hurd, have raised concerns about the RNC’s debate qualifications, particularly the loyalty pledge to support the eventual nominee, along with the donor and polling requirements.
Hutchinson, a vocal critic of the loyalty pledge, has expressed reservations about potentially being obligated to support a convicted felon if Trump were to become the nominee.
He has called on the committee to consider amending their rules.
Christie has dismissed the pledge as a “useless idea” but remains committed to doing what is necessary to secure a spot on the debate stage.
Hurd, the latest contender to enter the race, has stated his refusal to sign the loyalty pledge to avoid endorsing the former president.
As the drama surrounding the upcoming debates unfolds, conservatives eagerly await Trump’s final decision, recognizing that his absence or presence will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of the Republican primary race.
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