Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is itching for the chance to participate in more 2024 presidential debates and, after some hesitation, Nikki Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations, is ready for another showdown.
Former President Donald Trump, the dominant front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, shows zero interest in sharing a stage with his rivals.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy might fail to meet the criteria to join CNN’s planned showdown next month in Iowa.
The situation, combined with Mr. Trump’s massive polling lead, raises questions about the point of more candidate faceoffs as CNN and ABC rush in to host more debates after four events sponsored by the Republican National Committee.
Mr. DeSantis wants to keep debating.
“Debating is the bare minimum that a political candidate should do, and I would note Donald Trump has refused to debate throughout this campaign,” Mr. DeSantis said at a CNN town hall event. “He doesn’t think he owes it to Iowans. He doesn’t think he owes it to Granite Staters to show up and debate and answer questions.”
Mr. DeSantis told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he would welcome the opportunity to debate Ms. Haley and Mr. Trump on his show. Mr. Hannity hosted a debate between Mr. DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, on Nov. 30.
“So I’m game. Just let me know,” Mr. DeSantis said.
The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
The RNC has lifted restrictions on appearances in nonsanctioned events, freeing candidates to participate in debates and other forums outside the party’s control.
The RNC concluded that its strict donor and polling qualification thresholds had narrowed the field and avoided a repeat of the drawn-out debates for the 2016 presidential nomination.
ABC and CNN want a piece of the action to cash in on the audiences. CNN has offered to host showdowns in Iowa before the Jan. 15 caucuses and New Hampshire before the first-in-the-nation primary on Jan. 23.
In previous election cycles, CNN has hosted presidential candidates for town halls and debates.
Nearly 13 million people watched the first debate, according to Fox. Viewership dipped to 9.3 million in the second debate, 7.5 million in the third debate and 4.1 million in the fourth debate.
The DeSantis-Newsom showdown attracted 4.75 million viewers.
Mr. DeSantis quickly accepted the invitation to a CNN debate at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium five days before Iowa kicks off the nominating contests with its Jan. 15 caucuses.
Ms. Haley said she was waiting for Mr. Trump to participate.
“The first four debates have been great for our campaign and for voters, and we look forward to the fifth in Iowa,” Ms. Haley said Friday. “As the debate stage continues to shrink, it’s getting harder for Donald Trump to hide.”
Mr. Trump has increased voter support since his rivals first took the stage in August and has little incentive to join the debate.
Mr. DeSantis took credit for forcing Ms. Haley’s hand.
“Now that Nikki Haley has been shamed into coming to the CNN debate, it’s time for Donald Trump to follow suit and join us,” he said.
A recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll found that Mr. Trump’s support in Iowa climbed to 51% from 43% in October.
Mr. Trump has overtaken Mr. DeSantis to capture the highest favorability rating in Iowa.
In New Hampshire, Mr. Trump’s support has hovered around 45% since the candidates first squared off in August.
A Washington Post/Monmouth University survey last month found that Trump supporters are more motivated and committed to voting than supporters of his rivals.
Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said the debates have not changed the race’s overall trajectory.
“Before the debates, the second-place finisher was averaging about 13% in national preference polls. After the debates, it’s still about 13%, except the name has changed,” Mr. Murray said. “There’s been a little bit more of a shift in Iowa and New Hampshire, but the second-place candidate’s support still falls below 20%.
“No one has emerged as the consensus alternative to Trump,” he said. “The chairs have just been shuffled around the stage.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.