Donald Trump’s decision not to participate in the first Fox News debate has raised concerns about the fate of future debates, and it could prove to be a significant miscalculation.
On Truth Social, Trump pointed to a new CBS poll showing him with a substantial lead in the field, suggesting he is well ahead of his competitors. He cited his accomplishments during his presidency and asserted that the public recognizes his successful tenure. As a result, he declared, “I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!”
This move could either be a momentous error, as it relies on polling that has been historically unreliable, or it indicates Trump’s confidence in his overwhelming lead, effectively ending the Republican primary before it begins.
Trump’s announcement merely confirmed what had been anticipated for months, as he had consistently expressed reluctance to participate in debates.
The potential twist in this narrative lies in the viewership of the Fox News debate without Trump. If the ratings for the debate plummet, sponsors may hesitate to support future debates. Primary debates are a source of entertainment programming that cable networks rely on for ratings.
While Trump’s decision appears geared toward safeguarding his lead in the GOP primary, it introduces a series of “what-ifs.” What if the polls are inaccurate, and he loses in Iowa or New Hampshire? What if Trump, after refusing to participate in any debates, faces a rusty and unprepared Joe Biden in a presidential debate?
Donald Trump seems to be seeking an uncontested path to the Republican nomination, but his stance on debates carries significant risks. It’s plausible that he has inadvertently jeopardized the Republican primary debate schedule, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.