Staff Reports
Trump Questions Fox News and Considers Skipping Debates
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the treatment he has received from Fox News, the network hosting the upcoming Republican debates. This has raised questions about whether or not Trump will even show up on the debate stage. And if the first debate being hosted by Fox News wasn’t enough, the second debate is set to be hosted by Fox Business. Can you believe it? Two debates with Fox? It’s like they’re double-daring Trump to skip out on both.
Now, let’s talk about the criteria to qualify for these debates. Candidates need 40,000 unique donors and at least 1 percent support in three national polls or in two national polls and one early state poll. Basically, it’s a way to make sure only serious candidates make it on stage. Trump, as the frontrunner, has already qualified. RealClearPolitics even shows him with a whopping 53.9 percent support. That’s a spread of +38.0, folks! The numbers don’t lie.
But here’s the kicker: candidates also have to sign a loyalty pledge to support the eventual nominee. And you know what? Trump is not alone in hesitating to sign that pledge. It seems like some other Republican candidates, like former Representative Will Hurd, are having their doubts as well. Can you blame them? Loyalty is earned, not demanded.
Of course, even if Trump decides to skip the debates, we can expect quite a lively event. Former Vice President Mike Pence just qualified, along with other candidates like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina. These debates will be a showdown, with or without Trump.
Now, let’s talk about Trump’s “hostile” relationship with Fox. He may have sat down for an interview with Bret Baier back in June, but that doesn’t negate his concerns about the network. It’s understandable that he would be cautious about engaging in a debate with a network that he may feel is biased against him. If Trump decides to sit this one out, it would send a clear message that he won’t be pushed around by the media.
Some people, like RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, are urging Trump to debate. But let’s be real here, folks. Trump doesn’t need the stage to get press and attention. He’s already dominating the polls. And given his commanding lead, why should he waste his time engaging in a debate where the focus will inevitably be on him? It’s the other candidates who need the exposure.
While Trump’s decision ultimately rests in his own hands, there is no shortage of opinions on the matter. Some argue that Trump should skip the debate and let the others have their moment in the spotlight. Others, like Jack Shafer from POLITICO Magazine, believe that Trump’s absence would do everyone a favor. Shafer suggests that Trump should watch the debates from the comfort of his clubroom. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?
The stage is set, the candidates are preparing, and the drama is building. Regardless of Trump’s decision, the show must go on. And if Trump’s absence puts the spotlight even more on someone like DeSantis, then so be it. Let the candidates go head-to-head, let the voters decide, and let’s continue to make America great again, with or without Trump on the debate stage.
