The debate is scheduled for August 23. Candidates must earn 1% in order to qualify. Support in at least three national surveys and raise funds from at least 40,000 donors in at least 20 countries. To date, in addition to Trump, seven candidates have qualified, including his main rival – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
However, Trump does not intend to appear on the same stage with his rivals. The heads of Fox News, which organizes the debate, have been seeking his performance for months. The former president — who by far leads Republican polls — met with Fox representatives on numerous occasions, but ultimately declined their invitation.
Trump will not attend the debate. He stuck a pin not only to his competitors
Trump earlier stated that he would not attend the debate. His hesitation was prompted by the requirements outlined by the Republican National Committee. It decided that all candidates wishing to participate in the debate must sign a pledge that they will support the party’s final candidate. Trump announced that he would not sign such a pledge.
In addition, Trump does not want to participate in the debate because he has a lead of more than 40 percentage points. DeSantis is in second place and believes he does not need direct confrontations with challengers to win the party’s nomination.
Instead of appearing at the debate, Trump decided to broadcast a pre-recorded interview as it aired. An interview conducted in April by controversial presenter Tucker Carlson, who was fired from Fox News in April.
Thus, Trump’s refusal to invite the debate is a pin in the race not only for the nomination, but also for the most conservative TV station that Trump continues to play quietly. Former President Fox is accused of “tarnishing” the election in favor of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party.
“Coffee enthusiast. Troublemaker. Incurable introvert. Subtly charming twitter scholar. Award-winning social mediaholic. Internet buff.”