The Republican presidential debate stage is undergoing a notable transformation. Last month, eight candidates took part. As the date for the second debate on Sept. 27 nears, two candidates are yet to receive their invitations.
Candidates uncertain about their future participation are actively trying to influence the qualifications before any official announcements. Sen. Tim Scott’s campaign manager reached out to the Republican National Committee (RNC) this week, suggesting an overhaul of the criteria. Without these changes, Scott might not be a part of the third debate. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie could face a similar fate.
The RNC has been silent about the details for the third debate, which might be just around the corner. This delay suggests the RNC’s attempt to maintain neutrality in a primary field where former President Donald Trump dominates. Trump, who leads the pack, opted out of the first debate and has shown no interest in the second. The RNC might be strategizing to entice him with a more favorable setting for the third debate.
For candidates behind Trump, their presence on the debate stage is of paramount importance. Their main challenge is the RNC’s national polling threshold. Televised debates, such as the one that attracted millions of viewers, are crucial for candidates like Scott and Christie. Both lag in national polls but have managed to gain some traction in states with early primaries and caucuses.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, both of whom participated in the first debate, are yet to qualify for the upcoming ones. The RNC’s criteria for the first debate was a mere 1 percent national requirement. For the second, candidates must achieve 3 percent in two national polls or a mix of one national poll and two early state polls.
Scott’s campaign is urging the RNC to reconsider the national polling requirement. Scott emphasizes that the primary process isn’t solely national. He believes candidates who excel in early-state polls should be prioritized.
The RNC recently confirmed Miami as the venue for the third debate. However, specifics like the date and qualifying criteria remain under wraps. Most speculate an early November scheduling.
Based on current data, Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Pence and Nikki Haley are likely to meet any polling requirements for the third debate. However, Pence might face challenges due to the RNC’s donor requirement, as his fundraising efforts have been less robust than other candidates with similar polling numbers.
Both Hutchinson and Burgum have their work cut out for them to secure spots for the second debate. While Burgum has achieved some success in an Iowa survey, he needs to replicate this in national or early-state polls. Hutchinson is nearing the donor threshold and needs to meet certain polling criteria to ensure his place on the stage.
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