Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley says she will only participate in debates involving former President Trump or President Biden, and plans to hold two debates in New Hampshire ahead of next week's primary. is in danger.
Hailey said in one word: statement Trump, who cruised to victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses, insisted on Tuesday that he should stop “hiding” after missing all five previous Republican primary debates.
“We had five great debates in this campaign,” she said. “Unfortunately, Donald Trump ignored them all. He has no place left to hide. The next debate I have will be with either Donald Trump or Joe Biden. . looking forward to it.”
Two debates were scheduled over the next few days for the remaining candidates to discuss the issue before voters in the Granite State host the nation's first primary next Tuesday. The first was scheduled to be held by ABC News on Thursday, and the second was scheduled to be held by CNN on Sunday.
Trump, Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would likely be invited to both if they met the requirements, but Trump was almost certain to skip the event.
Mr. DeSantis had already accepted an invitation to participate in the debate. She condemned Haley's decision in a statement posted on X (former Twitter name), saying she didn't want to debate because she was afraid to answer “difficult questions.”
He said Haley is not actually seeking the Republican nomination, but rather to be chosen as President Trump's running mate, and promised to continue attending events.
“I have no intention of disrespecting New Hampshire voters like Nikki Haley or Donald Trump, and I intend to keep my promises. I look forward to discussing the two vacant podiums in the Granite State this week.” “We are,” DeSantis said.
Haley's announcement came after Iowans cast their first votes in the 2024 Republican nomination process at Monday's caucuses. Trump won easily with just over 50% of the vote.
DeSantis narrowly beat Haley for second place with 21 percent to Haley's 19 percent.
The announcement also comes as ratings for Republican debates without Trump have been declining with each event.
In New Hampshire, Haley's approval rating has increased to more than 30 percent, according to the average Hill/Decision Desk poll, according to public opinion polls. On average, Mr. Trump still leads with 42%, but Mr. DeSantis has fallen to single digits in the state.
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