USA
Media: First TV debate possibly without Trump
Donald Trump may cancel his participation in the first Republican televised debate. photo
© Charlie Neibergall/AP/dpa
According to observers, should Trump skip the first televised debate, this would be an affront to the Republicans. Trump sees it this way: “Why should I debate? I’m your man.”
According to media reports, the first televised debate ahead of the Republican primaries in the United States could take place without the former president Donald Trump take place.
Instead of debating next Wednesday’s Fox News television channel with other seven contenders for the Republican Party’s nomination for president, Trump could be interviewed by far-right moderator Tucker Carlson, the New York Times newspaper reported, citing people involved in the matter . The television station CNN also reported that Trump does not plan to take part in the TV debate.
“A lot of people are asking if I’m going to be in the debates,” Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social, a platform he co-founded. “Reagan didn’t do it, neither did others. People know my achievement, one of the best. Why should I debate? I’m your man. Let’s make America great again.”
Affront to Republican Party
If Trump actually skips the debate and instead gives an interview to the recently fired Fox News presenter Carlson, observers believe it would be an affront to the Republican Party and the right-wing television station.
So far, in addition to Trump, seven other candidates meet the Republican poll numbers and fundraising requirements to participate in the debate: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former US Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, the former governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The Republican primary will be held between January and June next year, with the presidential election on November 5, 2024.