Can GOP debates narrow down the Republican field?

2024 Republican Primary Candidates Hopeful Despite Trump’s⁣ Dominance

The upcoming opening ​debate of the‌ 2024 Republican primary has candidates not‌ named Donald‍ Trump eager to make ‍their mark in the race. While Trump⁣ continues to ⁤hold​ a strong lead,‌ the ⁤debates also bring pressure on these candidates to drop out and allow a‍ non-Trump contender ⁤to emerge.

All‌ Eyes on Ron: Pressure Mounts on DeSantis

The spotlight is on Governor Ron DeSantis ⁤as pressure builds ahead ⁤of the first‌ GOP debate. Party strategist Evan Siegfried and other members of the GOP are ⁢urging candidates who don’t qualify for⁣ the Republican National Committee-sanctioned debates to suspend their campaigns. Siegfried ​emphasizes that candidates like‌ Francis Suarez should have garnered enough support by⁤ now to qualify for ⁢the debates, and if they can’t, they ‌have no business ⁤running for president.

Siegfried ‍also points out ⁢that some candidates may be running‍ for ulterior motives, such as a Cabinet position, a book deal, increased speaking⁤ fees, or even ⁣the vice presidency.

Similar sentiments are ⁣echoed by Governor Chris Sununu,⁢ who argues that candidates should consider ⁤dropping out before the second debate. Sununu believes that those polling in the low single digits by Christmas should ​acknowledge their shortcomings ‍and make way for the top three or four candidates.

However, even ⁤if candidates ‍were‍ to suspend ⁤their campaigns, it doesn’t guarantee a strong opponent who can challenge Trump. Recent polls show⁤ Trump with⁤ a significant lead, making it⁣ difficult for any alternative candidate to gain traction.

According to ⁣strategist Siegfried, “Even if there were a ‍viable alternative, the highest ceiling ⁣for them is‌ 38% in that poll, so that’s a huge lead, even if there were⁢ just one other candidate every Republican was ‍supporting.”

Despite the challenges, many candidates continue their campaigns, knowing that the nomination‌ has ⁢always⁢ been Donald Trump’s to lose.

Qualified Candidates Face Tough⁢ Competition

Currently, Trump holds an average of 56%⁤ support⁢ nationally, followed by Ron DeSantis at‌ 15%, Vivek ⁤Ramaswamy at 7%, Mike Pence at 4%,⁢ and Nikki ‍Haley,⁤ Chris Christie, and Tim Scott ⁤at 3%.‍ However, Trump’s support is lower in Iowa and⁤ New Hampshire, with averages of 43% and 44%, respectively.

Initially, many candidates⁤ hoped to appeal⁣ to Republicans through the debates,​ banking on the idea that ⁢Trump’s legal problems would ‌lead to his downfall. Now, their strategies ‍rely on the response of the GOP and ​general election electorate to‍ Trump’s court appearances.

Presidential⁢ historian David Pietrusza emphasizes ‌that ​debates rarely result in an immediate​ end to campaigns but can set‌ them on a path to eventual extinction ⁢based on ⁤performance. ⁤He cites past examples such as Chris Christie’s impact on Marco Rubio in 2016 and Donald Trump’s “Low Energy Jeb” comment that sank ⁢Jeb Bush.

As the first debate approaches, candidates like Ron DeSantis and ‌Tim Scott⁤ are aware⁢ of‌ the high expectations placed upon them. They aim ⁣to deliver their positive, conservative‍ messages and connect ‌with ⁣millions of voters across the country.

Ten ⁢candidates have qualified for the first debate, including ‍Trump, DeSantis,⁤ Pence, Haley, Scott, Burgum, Hutchinson, Christie, Ramaswamy,‌ and Johnson. However, former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and conservative radio‍ host Larry Elder have not met the qualifications.