Republican White House hopefuls prepared for the first debate of the 2024 primary on Wednesday, August 23. Despite Donald Trump’s absence, his influence loomed over competitors. Concerns among allies were sparked that rivals might seize an opportunity for a viral moment.
The Republican White House hopefuls prepared to do battle in the first debate of the 2024 primary contest on Wednesday, with Donald Trump set to upstage his rivals despite his decision not to show up.
Five months ahead of the start of primary elections to choose the party’s flagbearer, the runaway frontrunner’s grassroots support is as strong as ever, but numerous criminal cases are overshadowing his comeback bid.
Eight other candidates have qualified, including state governors Ron DeSantis and Doug Burgum, former vice president Mike Pence, Trump’s UN ambassador Nikki Haley and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie are threatening DeSantis’s runner-up spot in early nominating states Iowa and New Hampshire, and will be looking for openings to attack him.
While Trump dominates the field, polling well above his opponents, some allies worry that a no-show could give his rivals a chance to create a viral moment and gain momentum.
Trump plans to plant himself firmly center stage on the evening of the debate itself with a pre-taped interview with Tucker Carlson.
The session with Carlson, a hardline right-winger that debate hosts Fox News fired earlier this year, is expected to air as the debate is happening.
Katrine Dige Houmøller, with AFP
