CNN to Host Two Republican Presidential Debates in Iowa and New Hampshire
CNN has announced that it will be hosting two Republican presidential debates in Iowa and New Hampshire next month in the lead-up to the states’ nominating contests.
The decision to hold these debates comes just a day after the fourth debate this year and as the Republican National Committee considers loosening its rules to allow candidates to participate in debates not sponsored by the committee. However, a spokesman for the committee, Keith Schipper, stated on social media that the committee had not approved the CNN debates.
This year, the committee has approved four debates, steadily increasing the minimum thresholds for participation and excluding lower-polling candidates. Former President Donald J. Trump, the current Republican front-runner, did not attend any of the debates and has no plans to participate in the upcoming CNN debates.
While the Republican Party had initially suggested holding forums in January in both Iowa and New Hampshire, it is now uncertain whether those debates will be sponsored by the party. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who is placing heavy emphasis on a strong showing in Iowa, has already announced that he will participate in the debate there.
The first debate is set to take place on Jan. 10 at Drake University in Des Moines, just five days before the Iowa caucuses. To participate, candidates must have received at least 10 percent in three separate national or Iowa polls, including one poll of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers.
The second debate is scheduled for Jan. 21 at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, N.H., two days before the New Hampshire primary election. The top three finishers in Iowa will be invited to participate, with similar criteria to the Iowa debate for other candidates.
It remains to be seen which candidates will ultimately take part in these debates and how they will impact the upcoming nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.