With the Republican debate fast approaching, speculation still looms over whether former President Donald Trump will take part. Fox News will be hosting the event next week and is preparing for both scenarios – one with Trump and one without. The presence or absence of Trump is anticipated to have a significant influence on the debate’s ratings, dynamics, and overall focus.
One topic that is expected to dominate discussions during the debate is Trump’s four criminal indictments. Moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum foresee candidates’ reactions to Trump’s legal situation as being particularly intriguing. These controversies surrounding Trump’s indictments have impacted his poll numbers and fundraising, making it a key issue in the ongoing GOP primary.
If Trump does decide to participate, it will mark his first interaction with the 2024 GOP field, which includes prominent figures like Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie. Should Trump choose to take part, high viewership is widely expected, reminiscent of the record-breaking 2015 debate. Media consultant Brad Adgate suggests that if Trump is absent, the debate could attract around 5 million viewers, but this number could reach up to 15 million if he participates due to the curiosity surrounding his legal situation.
While there have been reports that Trump may engage in counterprogramming, such as granting an interview to Tucker Carlson, the main focus remains on whether he will be physically present on the debate stage. Bret Baier, Fox News’ chief political anchor, acknowledges that Trump’s participation style is well-known, but their primary focus is simply on his attendance during the debate.
Fox News has actively encouraged Trump’s participation, with network executives lobbying for his presence. Baier and MacCallum recognize that the debate’s dynamics could drastically change based on Trump’s involvement. MacCallum adds that the indictments present Trump with an opportunity to clarify his stance on the issues in question.
Although Trump currently leads in the polls, there is still a significant portion of GOP voters who remain undecided or not aligned with him. The absence of Trump from the stage would emphasize the ongoing battle among the other candidates to emerge as a viable alternative to the former president.
The potential backlash from Trump or his supporters is a factor that cannot be ignored, but the moderators emphasize their commitment to impartiality. Their goal is to facilitate substantial discussions among the candidates, enabling voters to discern differences and make informed decisions.
The debate is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including contentious issues like abortion, climate change, and even the Hunter Biden investigation. Fact-checking and substantial discussions will be crucial for the debate’s success, with the moderators striving to maintain a focus on the candidates and their perspectives.
Ultimately, whether Trump participates or not will undoubtedly impact the debate’s tone, viewership, and dynamics. It will also highlight the diverse range of opinions within the GOP field.