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 RNC’s criteria to qualify for the debate as of July 24.
Of course, while six have qualified and at least two others—former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson—are likely to, that doesn’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 won’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.
By John Haughey
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