The RNC officially set the debate rules. Let the games begin.
Republican presidential candidates take the stage during the CNN Republican presidential debate on Dec. 15, 2015, in Las Vegas. | Mark J. Terrill/AP PhotoSpectators are salivating at the opportunity for former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to savage each other at the Republican National Committee’s first sanctioned 2024 debate in August. Others are hoping former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will make himself into a human grenade on stage as he did with Sen.
But the RNC’s requirements are also stricter than they’ve been in the past, making it equally possible just a few candidates make the stage. Candidates who have long, impressive political resumes but are struggling to gain any traction in the polls may be left out in the cold. The polls that will count for qualification are still at least a month away from even entering the field, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to wonder who’s likely to make the cut — and who might be on the outside looking in when Republicans gather in Milwaukee later this summer.The former president will obviously have no problems meeting the polling or fundraising thresholds.
But the former vice president’s late entry — he’s planning to launch his campaign next week — could complicate efforts to reach the donor threshold before Aug. 21, especially without real access to the party’s more conservative small-donor base. Pence has also demurred when asked in the past if he’d support Trump as the nominee again, a question he’d effectively have to answer by signing a loyalty pledge.If he runs, the former New Jersey governor could meet the polling threshold.
Even with that, donors would be the biggest hurdle for Christie to clear. Like Pence, he has a shorter runway than candidates who are already running and could struggle with grassroots donors more aligned with Trump.Elder didn’t come close to ousting Gavin Newsom in the 2021 California recall election, but he did manage to build a decent donor list during the campaign. An Elder spokesperson described the campaign as “well on our way” to meeting the donor threshold by the deadline.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
RNC announces requirements for first GOP presidential primary debateThe Republican National Committee on Friday revealed the criteria that 2024 GOP presidential candidates must meet in order to participate in the first primary debate in August.
Read more »
GOP Candidates Must Have 40,000 Donors And Poll At 1% To Make First Debate StageThe RNC released its rules for the first primary debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, which also include a pledge to support the eventual presidential nominee.
Read more »
Comer says Wray confirmed existence of record reporting alleged Biden bribery scheme, which the White House strongly refutesGOP Rep. James Comer issued a subpoena to FBI Director Christopher Wray earlier this month.
Read more »
Chris Christie's chances of beating Donald Trump, according to pollsThe former New Jersey governor is polling at around 1 percent in most GOP presidential surveys.
Read more »
GOP chair: If Harris County could run good elections, the state wouldn't have to step inCindy Siegler, head of the Harris County GOP, says the Texas Legislature was right to get...
Read more »