Former President Donald Trump has decided to forgo attending the fourth Republican primary debate slated for Alabama next week.
Instead, he plans to participate in a fundraiser in Hallandale Beach, Florida, aiming to gather support and financial backing for MAGA, Inc., the super PAC endorsing his potential 2024 presidential bid.
CNN reports that Trump's absence from the previous three Republican debates was attributed to his substantial lead in polls. He has opted to engage in other events, such as an appearance for autoworkers in Detroit during a union strike and a rally in Florida, rather than attending these debates.
To incentivize supporters, Trump's campaign announced a "VIP reception" in a recent text message, offering participants the chance to meet the former President on December 6. Coincidentally, this date coincides with the scheduled third debate.
Earlier this month, Trump's campaign urged the Republican National Committee (RNC) to cancel future debates. Despite facing multiple indictments, totaling 91 criminal counts across four charges, Trump remains the leading candidate in both national and early state polling for the Republican primary, according to CNN.
For candidates aspiring to participate in the fourth debate in Tuscaloosa, specific criteria must be met. They need to garner 80,000 distinct donors, with a minimum of 200 from 20 different states or territories. Additionally, they must register at least 6% in two qualifying national polls or in one national poll and two polls from specific early voting states: Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, or Nevada.
Candidates are also required by the RNC to sign a pledge affirming their commitment to support the eventual Republican nominee.
The third debate featured prominent figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. However, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to meet the RNC's eligibility criteria.
Subsequently, Senator Tim Scott has joined former Vice President Mike Pence in suspending their White House bids.
(With Agency Inputs)
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