CNN’s upcoming debate lineup is unlikely to feature former President Donald Trump, who has suggested that his significant lead in the polls renders a debate with his leading opponents unnecessary and potentially disadvantageous for his campaign.
In a recent Newsmax town hall, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned that Newsmax has not yet hosted a debate and proposed a direct debate with Trump on the network. This proposal was welcomed by Eric Bolling, the host of “Eric Bolling The Balance” on Newsmax.
DeSantis expressed enthusiasm about the idea, saying, “I’d love to have a debate on Newsmax. It would be great to have the former president and myself go head-to-head for an hour.”
CNN has set specific criteria for participation in its debates. To qualify, candidates must achieve at least 10% in three different national or state polls, including one CNN poll. Additionally, candidates who secure a top-three finish in the Iowa caucuses on January 15 will receive an invitation to the New Hampshire debate.
The qualification periods for these debates are set for January 2 and January 16.
According to a report from CNN on Thursday, the Republican National Committee is expected to relieve its 2024 GOP primary candidates of a commitment that currently restricts them from participating in debates not sanctioned by the RNC.
Trump has been a vocal critic of the RNC-organized debates, calling for their discontinuation. In a post on Truth Social last month, Trump urged the RNC to allocate funds saved from these low-rated debates towards combating electoral fraud, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms within the RNC.
