Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has made his decision about attending the first Republican presidential primary debate on Aug. 23, and he plans to reveal it next week. In an interview with Newsmax host Eric Bolling, Trump expressed some reservations about signing the GOP’s loyalty pledge, stating that he wouldn’t sign it if there were candidates on there that he wouldn’t endorse. He refused to disclose who these candidates are, saying there’s no reason to insult them. However, he did mention that there are three or four people he wouldn’t support for president, highlighting the issues with the pledge.
Trump also mentioned his strong position in the polls as a potential reason for skipping the debate. With his support at 75-80 percent and the other candidates at only 0-3 percent, he questioned the upside of participating. He acknowledged that his opponents are intelligent individuals, including senators and governors, but questioned whether the debate would truly benefit him. While some may view his decision as strategic, others may see it as a missed opportunity to showcase his ideas and engage with voters.
Donald Trump on the GOP debate pledge: "I have a problem with the debate for another reason. I wouldn't sign the pledge. Why would I sign a pledge?" pic.twitter.com/EWyH3wBEij
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) August 10, 2023
From a conservative perspective, Trump’s reluctance to sign the loyalty pledge and his confidence in his poll numbers can be seen as principled and logical. By refusing to commit to supporting candidates he does not endorse, he demonstrates his dedication to his own beliefs and values. Additionally, his skepticism about the debate’s impact on his campaign suggests a strategic approach to focusing on activities that would yield greater benefits. This decisive and confident stance exemplifies Trump’s commitment to upholding conservative principles and maximizing his chances of success in the presidential race.
