IN-DEPTH: 6 GOP Candidates Qualify So Far for RNC Presidential Debate

The Epoch Times Header

Six Republican presidential candidates have qualified to participate in the first Republican National Committee (RNC) debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with at least two others in the 14-candidate field likely to do so in the coming weeks.

Former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. and Trump administration United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have met the RNCโ€™s criteria to qualify for the debate as of July 24.

Of course, while six have qualified and at least two othersโ€”former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinsonโ€”are likely to, that doesnโ€™t mean they will all show up.

Mr. Trump, who is far-and-away leading in all polls, with 13 months to go before the RNC convention, has not committed to appearing in the Milwaukee debate or a second one tentatively set for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Mr. Trump in interviews and campaign stumps has cited former front-runner President Ronald Reagan when publicly questioned about his tactic of declining debates, saying he has nothing to gain from being on the same stage with challengers who are all gunning for him.

While Mr. Trump has the luxury to ponder attending the debate, for most of the other candidates, qualifying for the first debate to gain the national exposure being on that stage would provide is essential.

Not making the first debate stage could be the death knell for several long-shot campaigns, including those of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, Texas entrepreneur Ryan Binkley, and former Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas).

Mr. Hurd has likely disqualified himself by saying he wonโ€™t sign a loyalty pledge to support whoever the ultimate GOP nominee is in the 2024 campaign to unseat President Joe Biden. Mr. Trump has also not committed to signing the pledge.

Byย John Haughey

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

Pesky 9/11 Conspiracies Remain Without Explanation!

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson (R) recently appeared in an...

Targeting Military Installations, IP Theft: A Look at Criminal Cases Involving Chinese Students

Trump adminโ€™s pledge to โ€œaggressivelyโ€ revoke visas of Chinese students was made after years of concern over CCP efforts to infiltrate U.S. academia.

Alleged CCP Influence Operations Involve Paid Protesters in New York

Tactics used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to influence public perception in the United States appear to be evolving.

Big Tech Liberals are Using AI to Censor Conservatives

The Federal Trade Commission is gathering information to expose how technology platforms have violated the law in censoring Americans.

Unveiled: Gynocratsโ€™ Brave and Stunning Strategy to Woo Back Male Voters

Thereโ€™s nothing โ€” nothing โ€” that drives Democrats more bananas than...

News

New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Starting to Spread Worldwide: What We Know

WHO has said that the COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 is causing more infections worldwide, as Chinaโ€™s health agency said itโ€™s the dominant variant.

Western Pennsylvania Communities Welcome New Steel Partnership, Trumpโ€™s Arrival at Rally

Steel workers and Pittsburgh community are looking forward to Trumpโ€™s rally at U.S. Steel Corpโ€™s Irvin Works, grateful for efforts to bolster local industries.

Barron Trump Didnโ€™t Apply to Harvard, White House Says

First Lady Melania Trump rejected speculation that Barron Trump was denied admission into Harvard, saying he didnโ€™t apply to the Ivy League school.

PCE Inflation Inches Closer to the Federal Reserveโ€™s 2 Percent Target

According to Bureau of Economic Analysis, PCE inflation slowed to 2.1% last month, from 2.3% in March, the lowest reading since September 2024.

Supreme Court Allows Trump Admin to Remove Parole Status of Immigrants From 4 Countries

Supreme Court temporarily stayed lower court decision halting Trump adminโ€™s removal of parole for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Mars Inc. Says It Removed Additive Targeted by RFK Jr. From Skittles

Skittles no longer contains titanium dioxide, identified as potentially problematic by RFKโ€™s commission report, candyโ€™s manufacturer said.

FBIโ€™s Bongino Says Agency Probing COVID-19 Origin Cover-Up as New Strain Drives Cases

FBI is investigating alleged cover-up of origins of COVID-19, agencyโ€™s deputy dir., Dan Bongino, said as a new strain of virus circulates in parts of the world.

SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Crypto Exchange Binance

SEC on May 29 voluntarily dismissed its civil lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Binance, following a nearly two-year legal battle.
spot_img

Related Articles