The countdown is on for the very first Republican presidential debate, set for August 6 in Cleveland - to be moderated by Fox News anchors Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace.
Michael Clemente, executive vice president of News Editorial, has also revealed the entry criteria for candidates: They must meet all U.S. Constitutional requirements; announce and register a formal campaign for president; file all necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and pay all necessary federal and state filing fees.
And of particular interest to one and all. The candidates also must place in the top-10 of an average of the five most recent national polls, as recognized by Fox News leading up to August 4th at 5 PM/ET. Such polling must be conducted by major, nationally recognized organizations that use standard methodological techniques.
Mr. Clemente also noted that Fox News will provide additional coverage and air time on August 6th to those candidates who do not place in the top 10.
“We support and respect the decision Fox has made which will match the greatest number of candidates we have ever had on a debate stage,” says Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus.
The debate itself will also feature much fancy interplay with Facebook revealing “how the issues of the day are resonating,” plus input on questions for the candidates.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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