The field is set: the Republican National Committee announced Monday the eight Republican 2024 presidential candidates participating in Wednesday’s debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The first GOP primary debate offers the conservative 2024 hopefuls the opportunity to speak to the nation and propel their prospects forward. While former President Donald Trump has declined to appear on the debate stage, those seeking to make up ground on his
sizable lead for the nomination will see Wednesday as a chance to do just that.
TRUMP DEBATE DECISION: GOP FRONTRUNNER CONFIRMS HE WILL NOT TURN UP FOR SHOWCASE EVENT
The eight candidates who will appear on the debate stage in Wisconsin this week are Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).
GOP contenders vying for their party’s nomination in next year’s election were required to fulfill several criteria. They must have received 1% in three different national polls, or 1% in two national polls and 1% in two polls from different early primary or caucus states, such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada — as well as have 40,000 unique donors, including 200 unique donors in 20 states or territories.
All participants must also sign a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. Only after meeting the polling and donor requirements will candidates receive the commitment pledge to sign.
“The RNC is excited to showcase our diverse candidate field and the conservative vision to beat Joe Biden on the debate stage Wednesday night,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said. “I’d like to thank the RNC’s debate committee Chairman Dave Bossie and Co-Chair Anne Hathaway and our debate partners, Fox News, Young America’s Foundation, and Rumble for their work to kick off the primary process that will put our Party and eventual nominee in the best position to take back the White House next fall.”
Perhaps as notable as the names to make the cut for Wednesday’s debate were the ones who didn’t. While Trump’s decision not to appear was known and understood by many for its strategic merits, the same could not be said for two candidates who need a boost as January, when the Iowa caucuses begin, approaches.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder both announced they had qualified for the debate this week. However, their names failing to appear on McDaniel’s list appears to suggest they were mistaken.
Trump’s absence leaves a massive void in Wednesday’s debate as it was likely that several candidates, most notably Christie and DeSantis, would go after the former president in hopes of winning over support. Now, the man mostly polling in second place, the Florida governor, may find a massive target on his own back.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
But where an absence such as Trump’s could be detrimental to some candidate’s strategies, for others, it could prove to be a lifeline.
The RNC debate will take place on Aug. 23 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. It will air on Fox News, with longtime anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators.
