RNC halts hosting its own debates, says it’s time for ‘voters to decide’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican National Committee halted its hosting of 2024 presidential primary debates Friday, according to a statement obtained by Florida’s Voice.
The RNC’s move, reportedly decided by a body of 16 members, signifies that the multiple scheduled debates by CNN and ABC for January are taking place independently of the committee, unlike the first four.
The most recent debate took place Wednesday in Alabama.
“We have held four successful debates across the country with the most conservative partners in the history of a Republican primary,” the RNC’s Committee on Presidential Debates said. “We have no RNC debates scheduled in January and any debates currently scheduled are not affiliated with the RNC.”
“It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next President and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit,” it said.
Notably, former President Donald Trump has not attended any of the debates.
In October, Trump’s campaign demanded the GOP halt all primary debates.
The campaign emphasized the need for the party to “refocus its manpower and money” on preventing Democrats’ efforts to “steal” the upcoming election.
“Anything less, along with other reasons not to cancel, are an admission to the grassroots that their concerns about voter integrity are not taken seriously and national Republicans are more concerned about helping Joe Biden than ensuring a safe and secure election,” a previous statement from the campaign read.
Below are CNN’s requirements for their respective Iowa and New Hampshire debates:
Iowa: The debate takes place Jan. 10, 2024. Candidates need at least 10% in three separate national and/or Iowa polls of GOP caucus-goers meeting CNN’s standards, one of which must be an “approved CNN poll.” The qualifying window closes Jan. 2.
New Hampshire: The debate takes place Jan. 21. Candidates need at least 10% in three separate national and/or New Hampshire polls of GOP primary voters meeting CNN’s standards, one of which must be an “approved CNN poll.” Additionally, any candidate who places in the top three during the prior Iowa caucuses will be invited. The qualifying window closes Jan. 16.
ABC’s New Hampshire debate will take place on Jan. 18.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy qualified for the fourth debate.
Under current polling averages, all of the candidates except Christie and Ramaswamy average at or above 10%. However, as CNN noted, only a few approved polls are required for entry.
