The third debate will be held with just over two months to go until the Iowa caucuses, which lead off the 2024 GOP presidential nominating calendar
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has officially confirmed its partners and venue for the third GOP presidential nomination debate, scheduled for November 8 in Miami. The RNC has selected NBC News, the Salem Radio Network, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), and the Rumble as partners for the event, which will be held at the Adrian Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
Nikki Haley warns United Nations about Hamas threat to Israel
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel highlighted that the debate provides an important opportunity for Republican candidates to address current issues and draw contrasts between their plans and vision and what they see as the shortcomings of the Biden administration.
RJC chair and former Sen. Norm Coleman pointed out that, given the recent distressing events in Israel, the role of American foreign policy has gained increased significance. He emphasized the importance of American strength, resolve, and the vision of the candidates for America’s role in the world, particularly in these trying times.
Looking ahead, the key question is which candidates will be participating in next month’s debate.
Former President Donald Trump, who maintains a commanding lead in polling and fundraising for the 2024 Republican nomination, has opted to skip the first two debates. His campaign points to his significant lead over other contenders as the reason for his absence, and recently, Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCavita stated that Trump will not participate in the third debate.
The Trump campaign has gone a step further by calling for the cancellation of all future debates, suggesting that the Republican National Committee (RNC) should redirect its resources and efforts toward defeating Democratic candidates in the upcoming election.
As previously reported by Fox News, the RNC has raised the polling and donor requirements for 2024 primary candidates to qualify for the third debate. To be eligible, each candidate must secure a minimum of 70,000 unique donors to their campaign or exploratory committee, including a minimum of 200 donors from 20 or more states.
The criteria for White House hopefuls to participate in the upcoming debate have become more stringent. To qualify, candidates must achieve at least 4% support in two national polls, or attain 4% in one national poll and 4% in two statewide polls conducted in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina, which are the initial states in the Republican presidential nominating calendar.
In addition to the polling requirements, candidates must commit to supporting the eventual Republican presidential nominee. They must also agree not to participate in any debates not sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC) for the remainder of the 2024 election cycle and consent to data-sharing with the national party committee.
The thresholds for debate qualification have been progressively increasing. For the first debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee on August 23, candidates needed to achieve at least 1% in polling and garner 40,000 donors to qualify, resulting in eight candidates participating in the event.
The requirements were further elevated for the second debate, hosted by FOX Business, which took place on September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. To participate, candidates needed to achieve a minimum of 3% support in polling and secure 50,000 donors. Seven candidates engaged in lively discussions during the second debate.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and first-time candidate with substantial wealth, has met the criteria for the third debate. However, his campaign is internally deliberating whether he should participate in the upcoming Miami debate.
Ramaswamy expressed his concerns regarding the value of the second debate, describing it as “totally useless” and arguing that it did not serve the interests of the voters. He is actively considering the best approach to inform and engage with voters effectively.
At the second debate, Vivek Ramaswamy shared the stage with prominent Republican figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey, former Vice President Mike Pence, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who qualified for the first debate, did not meet the criteria for the second debate and therefore did not participate.
The third debate is scheduled to take place just over two months before the January 15 Iowa caucuses, marking the beginning of the 2024 GOP presidential nominating calendar.