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The first GOP (Grand Old Party) debate will occur on August 23, but Trump has already met the qualifications for the second debate.
Second Debate Lineup
Other candidates who qualified for the second debate include Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Chris Christie.
Trump and DeSantis Lead
The two frontrunners are former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. However, whether or not there will be a second debate for Trump remains to be said.
Strict Requirements for Second Debate Qualification
The requirements for the second debate are 50,000 donors and 3 percent in eligible polls to meet RNC’s (Republican National Committee) standards. 200 of the 50,000 donors must be from at least 200 unique donors from 20 states.
First Debate Requirements
The first debate requirements are 40,000 donors and 1 percent in eligible polls.
Pledge to Support the Winning Nominee
On top of these requirements, candidates must pledge to support the winning nominee.
A Pledge Support
The pledge states, “I affirm that if I do not win the 2024 Republican nomination for President of the United States, I will honor the will of the primary voters and support the nominee to save our country and beat Joe Biden.”
Trump’s Hesitation to Pledge Support
Trump has created uncertainty by not pledging to support the eventual nominee. However, this wouldn’t be the first time Trump has hesitated to support other parties.
Trump’s History of Reluctance to Back Others
In 2016 Trump repeatedly stated he wouldn’t back anyone but himself.
Timeframe for Candidates to Confirm
Candidates have 48 hours before the first debate to confirm attendance, giving Trump time to continue taking his stance.
Reassurances Amidst Uncertainty Over Pledge
“Man, you were just saying you’d endorse the eventual GOP nominee, which will be Trump, so just give it a rest, Bri-Bri,” exclaimed one user.
Comparisons Between Potential Candidates
Someone else said, “Mike Pence, Chris Christie and Ada Hutchinson would be no different than Biden.”
Critiques Stemming from Voter Suppression
Another passionate user commented, “Unbelievable that you feel you had to make this statement. I live in Georgia and because Trump pushed the “election was stolen” mantra, you felt the need to embrace a voter suppression law…”
Struggles of Other Candidates
In the meantime, other candidates, such as Mike Pence, have met the requirements for the first debate but need help to meet the requirements for the second.