According to media reports, the first televised debate ahead of the Republican primaries in the United States could take place without former President Donald Trump.
Instead of debating next Wednesday’s Fox News television channel with other seven contenders for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, Trump could be interviewed by far-right moderator Tucker Carlson, the New York Times newspaper reported on Friday, citing the matter involved persons. 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 performance, one of the best. Why should I debate? i am your man Let’s make America great again.”
If Trump actually skips the debate and instead gives an interview to the recently fired Fox News host 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 requirements for poll numbers and fundraising 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. (dpa)