In a political landscape brimming with anticipation, the first Republican Presidential Debate of the 2024 election season is poised to take center stage tonight. Former President Donald Trump has made the controversial decision to skip the event, as he previously announced on his Truth Social platform. Trump’s decision not to participate in the first two debates, both hosted by Fox, sets the stage for what promises to be a lively showdown among the other contenders vying for the party’s nomination.
How to watch the Debate:
- Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
- Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
- Location: Fiserv Forum, in Milwaukie, Wisconsin
- Where to watch: The debate will be broadcast on Fox News and Fox business. It will also be streamed on foxnews.com and on conservative social media platform Rumble, an official partner of the Republican National Committee for the debate.
Who’s Participating in the Debate?
The stage is set with eight prominent Republicans: Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Senator Tim Scott, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, although Burgum’s presence is uncertain at this time, after he injured himself this morning while playing basketball. Each candidate brings their unique perspectives and policy stances to the forefront, gearing up for a potentially game-changing event.
What to expect:
Debates, especially the first one of the election season, have historically been pivotal moments for presidential campaigns. In 2016, Donald Trump’s unorthodox style and populist rhetoric propelled him to the forefront of the Republican primary. In 2020, then-Senator Kamala Harris made a breakthrough when she challenged Joe Biden on his past positions on busing and civil rights during a primary debate, helping to boost her candidacy, although her momentum did not last after poor performances in subsequent debates.
The upcoming 2024 Republican presidential Debate is expected to be no different. It represents a make-or-break moment for many candidates, most notably Governor Ron DeSantis, who has seen a significant decline in the polls due to his perceived poor performance as a candidate since he announced his campaign on X, formerly known as twitter, in May.
As anticipated, DeSantis and Ramaswamy , who will be standing center stage, are likely to be the primary targets of attack during the debate. DeSantis, who had previously been considered a front-runner, faces tough questions about his strength as a candidate, in addition to his management of his state, and his feuds with big companies. Ramaswamy, the political outsider and entrepreneur, faces scrutiny over his lack of political experience and his business ties, in addition to his cavalier comments on certain topics, such as the 9/11 attacks.
Former New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, a former Trump ally turned vocal critic, may use the absence of the former president to his advantage. Christie has been a staunch critic of Trump, questioning his leadership and character. The ongoing feud between Christie and Trump adds an extra layer of tension to the upcoming debate, especially with Trump’s decision to skip it.
With Trump polling well ahead of all the other candidates, the debate is inevitably going to revolve around him, despite his absence. The former president’s four indictments, including charges related to his involvement with Stormy Daniels, mishandling of classified documents post-presidency, federal charges regarding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, and specific state charges related to the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, are likely to be discussed at length.
For candidates like Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, both polling in single digits, the debate is a crucial opportunity to break through and gain traction in the crowded field. They need a standout moment to accelerate their chances of securing the nomination.
Former President Trump has a strategic plan in place to counterprogram the event. He has pre-taped an exclusive interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which is set to air simultaneously with the debate. This move is intended to divert viewers and maintain his visibility. In addition to the interview, Trump plans to surrender to Fulton County authorities on Thursday, a move designed to dominate the post-debate news cycle. It is seen as an attempt to deflect attention from his legal troubles and maintain his image as a strongman willing to face any challenge.
The first Republican Presidential Debate of 2024 is a pivotal moment in the race for the party’s nomination, setting the stage for a highly competitive and dynamic election season ahead. It is a night that will showcase the diverse range of voices within the Republican Party and the enduring impact of former President Donald Trump on American politics.