On a pleasant August evening at his private club in New Jersey, former President Donald Trump shared an intriguing phone call with his dinner companions, capturing their attention. The call came from Bret Baier, one of the moderators for the upcoming Republican debate, causing Trump to proudly display his phone to his guests. This call marked Trump’s second dinner with Fox News figures that week, as the network had been actively pursuing his participation in the debate. However, unbeknownst to Fox, Trump had already made up his mind not to attend, instead opting to release an online interview with Tucker Carlson on the same night.
Skipping the debate and overshadowing Fox’s flagship event was a strategic move on Trump’s part. It not only served as a provocation to the network but also as a snub to Carlson, who remains in conflict with Fox. Trump’s decision stemmed from a combination of factors, including his desire to maintain his lead in the Republican race, which he views as crucial for avoiding potential legal consequences. Additionally, Trump’s tumultuous relationship with Fox played a significant role in his decision-making process. Despite his animosity towards the network, Trump recognizes its influence and its ability to shape his image among Republican voters.
Trump’s grievances with Fox are often publicly aired, including his recent criticism of their morning show, Fox and Friends, for allegedly cherry-picking unfavorable images of him. During his dinner with Fox executives, Trump expressed doubts about the network’s coverage and questioned whether Rupert Murdoch, the chair of Fox Corp., had a hand in dictating the slant of their political coverage.
The Fox team preparing for the debate has diligently formulated two separate plans, one with Trump’s participation and another without. Baier has personally engaged with Trump to present his case for attending the debate, leaving room for a potential change of plans. Even if Trump were to appear, Fox executives expect lower viewership compared to the record-breaking numbers of the first Republican debate. Nevertheless, his presence would unquestionably generate heightened interest due to Trump’s immense popularity.
Despite Trump’s attempts to leverage his influence, he has faced pushback from his advisers who fear the potential advantage it could give his rivals. Trump had initially toyed with the idea of attending and seeking advice from confidants, highlighting his aversion to sharing a stage with certain candidates. However, as time progressed, Trump’s interest in the debate dwindled, and he shifted his focus towards upstaging the event through his interview with Carlson.
Baier and MacCallum, the debate’s co-hosts, plan to ensure Trump remains a central figure in the program, whether he attends or not. The Fox team has prepared questions regarding Trump’s recent criminal indictment, integrating video clips of him into their inquiries. The debate will commence immediately with no opening statements, and each candidate will have limited time to respond to questions.
Unlike in the past, when Trump skipped a Fox debate in Iowa, the network has had more time to prepare for his absence. The Republican National Committee (RNC) updated its rules this year to require candidates to sign a pledge and commit to supporting the party’s nominee. Trump, however, has not signed the pledge, and RNC officials have made it clear that no candidate, including Trump, will be allowed to participate in future debates not sanctioned by them.
In conclusion, Trump’s decision to skip the debate and instead participate in an interview with Carlson demonstrates his calculated approach to maintain his lead and spite Fox News. His complex relationship with the network and concerns about his image among Republican voters have influenced his decision-making. Despite his absence, Fox will ensure that Trump remains an integral part of the debate through strategic questioning and incorporating video footage of him. The network has learned from past experiences and has prepared accordingly for Trump’s non-participation.
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