Trump ‘unlikely’ to participate in first debate: advisor Jason Miller
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FLV) – Former President Donald Trump is unlikely to participate in the first two Republican primary debates, according to longtime advisor Jason Miller.
During an interview on “The Hill” on Tuesday, Miller reaffirmed Trump’s stance, emphasizing that the former president’s impressive polling numbers serve as a deterrent for his participation alongside other candidates on the debate stage.
“He’s up by 30, 40, and even new polling shows he’s up by almost 50 percent in certain places,” Miller said.
“It really wouldn’t make much sense for him to go and debate right now with a bunch of folks who are down at three, four and five percent. Even [Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis], who’s the second-place candidate in the race currently, is at least 20, 30 or 40 points behind.”
However, Miller did emphasize that Trump had not yet made a definitive decision “one way or the other.”
Miller said Trump will make a decision “as we get closer,” but isn’t expecting him to participate.
The first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate is slated for August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
To qualify for participation, candidates must meet specific criteria, which includes pledging support for the eventual nominee.
However, some candidates, including Trump, have been cautious in fully embracing this commitment, whilst others like Gov. Ron DeSantis have reportedly pledged to do so.
Miller reaffirmed that Trump would be debating President Joe Biden and that they “look forward” to it.
“We look very much forward to taking on Joe Biden, which is really what this race is going to be about,” Miller said.
“And at a certain point here, I think the other candidates, who are down at three, four and five percent, have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, is this actually helping their candidacy? Or is it really just getting in the way of us beating Joe Biden next year?’”
Trump is set to appear in Iowa for a town hall event with Sean Hannity on July 18, in Cedar Rapids.
