The Third Republican Presidential Primary Debate Set to Take Place in Miami
MIAMI – The third Republican presidential primary debate will be held in Miami in early November, according to sources familiar with the event. NBC News and Salem Media are currently in talks to host the debate, although neither organization has officially commented on the matter.
This debate will follow the first GOP gathering in Milwaukee last month and the second debate scheduled to take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on September 27.
The debates are becoming increasingly crucial for Republican candidates as they vie to position themselves as the top alternative to former President Donald Trump in the eyes of primary voters. Trump, who has maintained a large lead in national and early-state primary polls, chose to skip the first debate and expressed reluctance to participate in future debates with his GOP rivals.
“I don’t see it,” Trump stated in an interview with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. “Why would I do it?”
Nevertheless, the debates present the best opportunities for Trump’s Republican opponents, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who would have the advantage of being on home turf in the third showdown, to reach a national audience.
The Republican National Committee has yet to announce the debate-qualifying criteria for the Miami event. The minimum thresholds to make the stage increased from the first debate to the second, requiring a minimum of 40,000 donors and at least 1% in three national or two national and two early-state polls. It is expected that the criteria for the third debate will be even more stringent.
In order to participate in the first debate, candidates were required to sign a pledge committing to support the eventual Republican nominee. The same requirement is expected for the second debate.
The Miami debate presents a critical moment for Republican contenders as they strive to make their mark and distinguish themselves from Trump. Only time will tell how the candidates will utilize this opportunity to appeal to primary voters and gain momentum in their bids for the party’s nomination.
This story has been updated with additional information.