Lineup Announced for Second GOP Primary Debate: Who’s In and Who’s Out
WASHINGTON — The anticipation is building as the field of Republican presidential candidates prepares to take the stage for the second GOP primary debate. However, not every hopeful contender will have the opportunity to participate.
Compared to the first debate, the requirements for the second debate, to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California, have been set at a higher threshold. Candidates must now demonstrate a minimum of 50,000 unique donors and poll at least 3% in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and 3% in one early state poll from two “carve-out” states recognized by the Republican National Committee. Additionally, they must have signed the “Beat Biden” pledge, committing to support the eventual Republican nominee, even if it’s one of their political rivals. The deadline for qualification is September 25.
Six candidates are expected to participate in the California debate, a decrease from the eight who qualified for the first GOP debate in Wisconsin last month. Notably, former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the GOP race, has announced that he will not participate in the debates, citing his substantial lead in polls. Instead, he plans to visit the Detroit area to engage with striking auto workers.
Here’s a look at the candidates who are expected to appear at the upcoming debate.
Candidates Who Have Qualified for the Second GOP Debate:
- Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley
- Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
- Former Vice President Mike Pence
- South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott
- Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
The upcoming debate is poised to reveal whether candidates can build on their previous debate performances or skillfully avoid pitfalls. For instance, while Gov. Ron DeSantis refrained from criticizing Trump during the first debate, he may choose to take a more confrontational stance toward the Republican frontrunner in the upcoming event.
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is expected to face scrutiny due to his limited political experience and recent controversial remarks on various issues. This could lead to exchanges with former Vice President Mike Pence, who has advocated for a more traditional conservative approach, emphasizing that “this is no time for on-the-job training.”
Following Nikki Haley’s strong showing in the first GOP debate, where she outperformed Pence in some national polls, she may become a target for attacks from her rivals in the upcoming event. Recent polling data suggests that Haley could present a formidable challenge to President Biden in a hypothetical matchup.
Sen. Tim Scott, who didn’t have a breakout moment during the first debate, is reportedly seeking a change in stage placement to generate more buzz with his performance. On the other hand, former Gov. Chris Christie is expected to bring his anti-Trump perspective to the stage while relying on his experience as a former prosecutor to discuss Trump’s indictments.
Candidates Who Have Yet to Qualify for a Spot on Stage:
- North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
- Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum expressed confidence in his qualification for the second debate, having met the donor threshold. However, he may still need to overcome polling hurdles, as he currently polls at 0.2% support in Republican primary polls.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson remains optimistic about making the second debate, citing significant donor support following the first GOP debate. He claims to have achieved 3% in one national poll and is determined to continue his campaign efforts.
As the September 25 qualification deadline approaches, the Republican candidates are vying for their spots on the debate stage, hoping to make an impact in this critical phase of the campaign.