Donald Trump’s campaign says the former president has already won the first GOP presidential debate — even though he’ll be a no-show.
Mr. Trump is passing on the chance to stand on stage with the Republicans running against him for the party’s presidential nomination, citing his dominance in the polls and suggesting he has more to lose than gain.
“President Trump has already won this evening’s debate because everything is going to be about him,” Chris LaCivita, a senior strategist for the Trump campaign, in an email. “In fact, tonight’s Republican undercard event really shouldn’t even be called a debate, but rather an audition to be a part of President Trump’s team in his second term.”
The debate Wednesday in Milwaukee is being hosted by Fox News. Eight candidates have won invites from the Republican National Committee after reaching polling and donation thresholds. Mr. LaCivita said the moderators from Fox News will “show an unnatural obsession with President Trump tonight, asking other Republican candidates over and over to react to President Trump’s policy positions.”
“In fact, we will be tallying the number of times President Trump’s name is brought up and his total ‘speaking time,’ even though he is not in attendance,” he said, adding, “When the other candidates do get a chance to speak, they will be a faint echo, or maybe even a copycat, of President Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Poll: Donald Trump Enjoys 23-Point Lead over GOP Caucus Field in IowaFormer President Donald Trump holds a 23-point lead over his nearest opponent in the Republican caucus field in Iowa, per polling.
Read more »
Republican Strategists Are Still Holding Out Hope for a Post–Donald Trump GOPTrump will be a no-show at the first debate, creating an opening for the eight other candidates slated to appear onstage. But in a party where fealty to the front-runner appears to be the name of the game, can anyone truly have a breakout performance?
Read more »
Snubbed for GOP debate, Will Hurd blames refusal to sign ‘blood oath’ to Donald TrumpEight candidates will be on stage for the first GOP presidential debate, Wednesday night in Milwaukee.
Read more »
Suburban woman charged with threatening to kill Donald Trump and Barron TrumpA suburban Chicago woman was charged with threatening to shoot and kill former President Donald Trump and his son Barron earlier this year.
Read more »
Donald Trump indicted: Trump mocks Fani Willis for bond in Georgia caseFormer President Donald Trump mocked Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her insistence on a hefty bond for him.
Read more »