Haley will debate in Des Moines, challenges Trump before Iowa caucuses

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley says she plans to debate in Des Moines on Jan. 10 and challenged former President Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner, to do the same as candidates enter a one-month sprint to the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses.

The debate will be hosted by CNN at Drake University’s historic Sheslow Auditorium before the first-in-nation caucuses.

Mr. Trump, who leads the GOP presidential field by double digits in all polls, did not appear at debates sanctioned by the Republican National Committee.

His main opponents — Mrs. Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — are daring him to show up at non-RNC debates as they try to gain traction in early states such as Iowa and New Hampshire.

“The first four debates have been great for our campaign and for voters, and we look forward to the fifth in Iowa,” Mrs. Haley said Friday. “As the debate stage continues to shrink, it’s getting harder for Donald Trump to hide.”

She twisted the knife by saying Mr. Trump skipped a late Iowa debate in 2016, only to finish in second place. He went on to win the nomination and general election, however.

Like Mrs. Haley, Mr. DeSantis is looking for every opportunity he can to sway Iowa voters at town halls and debates.

“We’re going to be doing all available options that we can do to be able to press the case,” the governor told reporters this week.
There is little indication Mr. Trump feels the need to show up for debates, given his sizable lead.

Mr. DeSantis and Mrs. Haley are the likeliest participants in the Des Moines debate. It’s unclear if former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy will meet the polling threshold and other criteria.

The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espanol and CNN Max.

“We are honored to continue playing a central role in the democratic process at Drake University,” the school’s president, Marty Martin, said. “Des Moines and Drake have long been a hub for political and civic engagement on the national stage, and we are excited to carry on that tradition leading into the 2024 election, inviting our students, our community and thousands of visitors to engage in presidential politics.”