Do you believe that Trump will participate in the First GOP Debate in August?

[corbe]

Trump keeps GOP guessing on first primary debate

BY JULIA MANCHESTER - 06/24/23 6:00 AM ET

Questions are swirling around whether former President Trump will participate in August’s Republican primary debate.

Trump, who is leading the crowded GOP primary pack by a large margin in most polls, has been coy about whether he will be on stage with the other candidates come August.

“I like to debate. I probably am here because of debates. I don’t mind it at all,” Trump told Fox News’s Bret Baier in an interview that aired earlier this week. “But when you’re 40 points up …. Why would I let these people take shots at me?”

Yet some Republicans believe Trump will be itching for the spotlight. It will also serve as an opportunity for him to go toe to toe with his top rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

“Given his previous performances at GOP debates, it’s hard to see how he would miss an opportunity to connect with Republican primary voters,” said Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist.

Meanwhile, it’s unclear who will even make the debate — set to take place in Aug. 23 in Milwaukee — besides Trump and DeSantis. To qualify, candidates will have to be polling at a minimum of 1 percent in at least three national polls, or at 1 percent in two national polls and one early state poll from two of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4065187-trump-keeps-gop-guessing-on-first-primary-debate/

[corbe]

   He wins debates, not by getting points across, but for being such a showman ~ "I'd lock you up!"

[DB]

Trump won't miss an opportunity to be on TV in front of millions. His ego won't let him.

[libertybele]

Trump won't miss an opportunity to be on TV in front of millions. His ego won't let him.

Agreed.  Even though he has stated that he won't participate in debates, he won't be able to stay away from the cameras and the opportunity to trash others. 

[Cyber Liberty]

I took the weed option....

[bigheadfred]

Depends.

[DB]

Depends.

That's for Joe.

[sneakypete]

I also believe every other candidate will be focusing on trying to destroy Trump because they know he is the REAL opposition.

[libertybele]

I also believe every other candidate will be focusing on trying to destroy Trump because they know he is the REAL opposition.

?? Obviously the purpose of debating is for candidates to make their stance heard on the issues; abortion, the border, the economy, etc.

I think you have things a little confused @sneakypete Trump is the one who started which you term 'destroying', by targeting the candidates themselves, childish bullying and name calling and not focusing differences on the issues. If he debates Trump would be wise to focus on his accomplishments rather than whining about losing the election or personally trying to smear the other candidates.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

I think he'll participate in some debates eventually, but skip most of the early ones.