MILWAUKEE: The anticipation surrounding the first primary debate for the 2024 US presidential nomination is at an all-time high as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and seven other Republican rivals prepare to take the stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday. However, the shadow cast by the absence of former President Donald Trump looms large, as he opts to skip the event and instead attempts to dominate the news cycle with counterprogramming.
With a commanding lead in opinion polls, Trump’s decision to skip the debate showcases his confidence in maintaining his frontrunner status. Chris LaCivita, a senior aide on Trump’s campaign, expressed this sentiment, stating, “President Trump has already won this evening’s debate because everything is going to be about him.” Trump has chosen to engage in a pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host, which will be released online as the debate unfolds.
Despite his absence on the debate stage, Trump’s legal troubles and prosecutions are expected to be focal points of discussion. The debate, moderated by Fox News hosts, will likely delve into Trump’s ongoing legal battles and the indictments he faces.
While Trump’s no-show is notable, he plans to make his presence felt offstage. He is set to surrender to authorities in Atlanta, coinciding with his fourth indictment of the year, which alleges a criminal conspiracy to steal the 2020 election. Trump’s former attorney Rudy Giuliani, also implicated in the case, has already turned himself in ahead of the debate.
For DeSantis, the debate is a critical platform to reinvigorate his campaign and reverse declining poll numbers. His task is to prove his viability as a compelling alternative to Trump. The debate’s agenda is expected to touch on topics such as China, American foreign policy, and international relations with Ukraine and Russia.
Trump’s Undeniable Influence
Analysts view the debate as an opportunity for lower-profile candidates like businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to introduce themselves to a wider audience and potentially secure positions in a hypothetical Trump administration. Chris LaCivita emphasized that this undercard event is essentially an audition to be part of “President Trump’s team in his second term.”
While Trump’s influence is undeniable, the debate serves as a chance for the Republican contenders to make their mark. Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson, who are considered underdogs, aim to seize a breakout moment by challenging Trump and his policies. Even former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to offer pointed perspectives.
As the debate unfolds, the contenders will vie for attention and approval from the Republican base. Debate co-moderator Bret Baier summed up the sentiment aptly, stating, “I think it’s fair when these other candidates say it’s not a coronation, it’s an election.”
While Trump’s absence shifts the dynamics of the debate, the contest for the Republican nomination remains wide open. With months until the first nomination votes, the race continues to evolve, and contenders are eager to make their case and capture the momentum necessary to challenge the frontrunner.
