The Trump campaign has called on the Republican National Committee (RNC) to cancel all future debates, arguing that the focus should be on preventing Democrats from allegedly attempting to steal the 2024 election. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita issued a statement stating that the RNC should cancel the upcoming debate in Miami and end all future debates to refocus resources on election integrity.
The statement suggests that failure to cancel the debates would be seen as an admission that grassroots concerns about voter integrity are not being taken seriously, and that national Republicans prioritize helping Joe Biden over ensuring a secure election.
This call comes in the wake of what was described as a “squabbling match” during last week’s Fox News GOP debates, which former President Trump did not attend. Some have argued that Trump’s absence overshadowed the event and that the debates are not receiving the attention they deserve.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, along with Trump, has argued that Trump is the clear nominee for the Republican Party and that the debates are unnecessary. Gingrich stated that the choice is between helping Donald Trump or seeing Joe Biden reelected, with no middle ground.
Trump himself has dismissed the other candidates running for the nomination, suggesting that none of them are suitable for the vice presidential position. He has emphasized his own success during his presidency, including achievements such as energy independence, strong border policies, tax and regulation cuts, and a strong economy, as reasons for not participating in debates.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized Trump for skipping the debates during the RNC primary debates and accused him of avoiding the stage to defend his record. Christie suggested that Trump was “ducking” the debates and avoiding the opportunity to face his fellow candidates.