Trump may skip first GOP debate for alternative rally.

Trump Considers Skipping Republican Primary Debate

Former President Donald Trump is stirring up excitement by hinting at the possibility of skipping the Republican Party’s first primary debate next month. Instead, he may organize an alternative event that promises to be more captivating.

In a telephone interview with Reuters, Trump expressed his concerns about the hosting network’s bias against him and his commanding lead in the polls. He stated that he might “possibly not” attend the debate, which is scheduled to be hosted by Fox News on August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Why would I give them time to make statements? Why would I do that when I’m leading them by 50 points and 60 points?” Trump questioned.

Trump referred to Fox News as a “hostile network” and dismissed the idea of debating candidates who are significantly behind him in polling, such as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Recently, Trump’s relationship with the Rupert Murdoch-owned network has soured. He has criticized Fox News for not covering his rallies or live speeches as extensively as before, downplaying his popularity with potential voters, and promoting the campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“So interesting to watch Fox News cover the small and unenthusiastic 139-person crowd in Staten Island for DeSantis, but stay as far away as possible from coverage of the thousands of people—many unable to get in—at the Club 47 event in West Palm Beach, Florida,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in February.

However, Trump revealed that he has been considering offers to hold a separate event during the scheduled debate or later that same evening.

“We’ve had a lot of offers, whether it’s a rally or whether it’s an interview by somebody else,” he shared. “Not to be braggadocious, but the debate will not be a very exciting one if I’m not there.”

The Republican Party’s first primary debate presents an opportunity for voters to delve deeper into the pool of GOP candidates, witness their interactions, and gain insights into their political views. This engagement can be invaluable in making an informed decision on which candidate to support.

Trump–Biden Matchup

National polls consistently show that Trump remains the favorite candidate for the GOP in the 2024 election. The former president also enjoys a significant endorsement advantage over all other contenders.

According to the RealClearPolitics (RCP) average as of June 28, Trump leads his closest Republican rival, DeSantis, by over 30 percentage points. All other GOP hopefuls trail behind in single digits.

On the Democratic side, RCP reveals that President Joe Biden is the clear frontrunner for his party’s nomination. The Democrat president holds an impressive 50-point lead over environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite the Kennedy name’s considerable influence.