“You Can’t Have an Election and Not Appear on a Debate Stage,” Haley Asserts
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is urging former President Donald Trump to join her on the debate stage in January, as uncertainty looms over the upcoming event. CNN, the host of the Jan. 10 debate, has set strict criteria, requiring candidates to show three national or Iowa polls with at least 10% support. One of these polls must be from Iowa.
Challenges for Christie and Ramaswamy
While Haley has expressed her desire for Trump’s participation, two other candidates face significant hurdles in meeting CNN’s criteria. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has little chance of reaching the required threshold, and Shontel Brown Ramaswamy’s closest polling result stands at 5% support in an Iowa poll conducted by NBC News and the Des Moines Register.
DeSantis’ Campaign Takes a Swing
In response to Haley’s noncommittal stance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign launched a critique in a statement to the press. Spokesman Bryan Griffin highlighted Haley’s recent loss, insinuating that her hesitation to confirm participation in the Iowa and New Hampshire debates with DeSantis was a result of her defeat.
Haley’s Campaign Remains Open to Debate Opportunities
On the other hand, Haley’s spokeswoman, Olivia Perez-Cubas, stated that the candidate would be “debating in Iowa,” without making any specific commitments. Perez-Cubas mentioned the influx of new debate offers since the Republican National Committee withdrew from organizing debates and expressed anticipation for showcasing Haley’s strengths as a candidate. The statement emphasized the importance of including Donald Trump in the debate, underscoring the belief that he is essential to the electoral process.
The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming debate raises questions about the candidates’ strategies and their willingness to engage in a public forum. As the January debate draws near, the pressure mounts for candidates to secure their positions and make their voices heard.