In the latest development from the campaign trail, it has been confirmed that Nikki Haley, former South Carolina Governor, has agreed to take part in a pivotal debate to be held in Iowa just five days before Republican caucus-goers cast their votes. The debate is scheduled for January 10th and has already been accepted by Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis.
However, the participation of the other qualified contender, Donald Trump, remains undecided. Trump, who has yet to participate in any debates throughout this cycle, was urged to be a part of the upcoming event by Nikki Haley’s campaign in their latest statement in a firm nudge to the former president to not avoid the debate.
As it currently stands, DeSantis and Haley are the only two confirmed participants, potentially setting the scene for a heated two-person debate, with the possibility of the addition of another contender such as Chris Christie or Vivek Ramaswamy hinging on their satisfactory meeting of the required debate threshold before the qualification window closes.
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Both Haley and DeSantis, rivals aiming to emerge as the top contender against Donald Trump, are prepping themselves for what could be a pivotal moment in the campaign. DeSantis, banked heavily on Iowa, is focusing all his resources in the state whereas Haley is extending her focus not only to Iowa, but New Hampshire as well, a state where independents hold sway.
Despite Trump leading in all the states mentioned, DeSantis and Haley, who may not need the same Iowa results to fuel their respective campaigns forward, are their attempt to position themselves as the last standing combatant against Trump for the nomination. Haley, who has garnered the support of some very high-profile donors, got wind in her sails with the endorsement of New Hampshire Governor Krista Nunez as well as the grassroots organization of the Koch network.
Trump, while more focused on a potential general election matchup with Biden, is not taking this nomination lightly and continues to contrast with Haley and DeSantis. Whether or not Trump will choose to take part in what would be his first debate of this cycle remains to be seen.
