At least eight Republican presidential candidates have announced their qualification for the upcoming 2024 primary debate, set to take place in Milwaukee. Among them is former President Donald Trump, who currently leads the field in early-voting state polling. However, Trump has not yet confirmed his participation in the debate alongside his opponents. Despite this uncertainty, the other candidates have been diligently preparing for the event. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who consistently polls second behind Trump, is bracing himself for attacks from fellow candidates.
To be eligible for the debate stage on August 23, candidates must meet the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) polling and fundraising benchmarks by August 21. These benchmarks include securing 40,000 individual campaign donors, with at least 200 voters from each of 20 states, and achieving a minimum of 1% support in three national polls or two national polls and one poll from an early primary state. Additionally, candidates must sign a “loyalty pledge” to support the Republican nominee. Trump, DeSantis, Tim Scott, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Doug Burgum have reportedly met the RNC’s criteria, although Trump and Christie have not yet signed the nominee loyalty pledge. Francis Suarez, the Mayor of Miami, has claimed qualification, but this has not been officially confirmed by the Republican National Committee.
Trump, who remains undecided about participating in the debate, is facing a legal deadline to surrender at Fulton County Jail two days after the event. He has hinted in various social media posts that he is not inclined to participate, pointing to his strong polling numbers and questioning the necessity of a debate. On the other hand, DeSantis views this first debate as a pivotal moment in the race, as it marks when Republican voters will begin paying closer attention to the primary. Anticipating attacks from his opponents, DeSantis has enlisted the help of Brett O’Donnell, a seasoned Republican debate coach who has worked with candidates such as Mitt Romney, John McCain, and George W. Bush in the past.
Meanwhile, Tim Scott plans to maintain his positive and optimistic brand on the debate stage. He aims to differentiate himself from the field by focusing on his life story as a testament to the American dream and criticizing Democrats. Scott’s campaign has allocated significant funds for advertising, particularly in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the first two GOP primaries will take place.
Nikki Haley has been actively engaging with voters in preparation for the debate. She highlights her foreign policy experience as a former U.N. Ambassador under the Trump administration, claiming to have removed the “Kick me sign” from America’s back. Haley believes all candidates should have a chance to share their vision on the debate stage, including her former boss.
Mike Pence began his debate preparations weeks before officially qualifying for the event. His campaign has conducted team sessions on Zoom, led by Greg Jacob, a former top lawyer from Pence’s time in the Trump administration. In these sessions, mock debates have been held, with one even featuring a stand-in for Trump. Despite their previous strained relationship after Pence refused to overturn the 2020 election results, Pence welcomes Trump’s attendance at the debate and hopes it sparks a vigorous discussion about the future of the country.
Chris Christie, another candidate vying for a spot on the debate stage, has been strategizing and preparing alongside his team.
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