CNN has called off the Republican primary debate in New Hampshire after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis became the sole candidate to accept the network’s invitation.
The debate, originally scheduled to take place at New England College on Sunday, just days before the Jan. 23 primary, faced cancellation due to a lack of participation.
New Hampshire GOP Debate Falls Silent: Lack of Participation Forces Cancellation
A CNN spokesperson stated, “We will continue to pursue other opportunities as the campaign season progresses through 2024,” highlighting the network’s commitment to exploring alternative avenues for political discourse.
Former President Donald Trump, leading the primary race, has consistently declined participation in GOP debates. Notably, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, a participant in previous debates, also turned down invitations from both CNN and ABC News following the Iowa caucuses, where she finished third behind Trump and DeSantis.
Haley’s decision to skip ABC News’s debate was rooted in her stance that she would only participate if Trump or Biden were included. Given the absence of a Biden debate until the general election season, Haley chose not to partake.
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CNN Showdown: DeSantis Stands Alone as Haley Chooses Town Hall Over Remaining Debates
Expressing frustration with debates sans Trump, Haley stated, “Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them. He has nowhere left to hide.” Instead, she opted to engage in a CNN town hall on Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
In contrast, Governor DeSantis, the sole Republican committed to both New Hampshire debates, took to Twitter on Tuesday, accusing Haley of being “afraid to participate in the remaining debates.” He affirmed his dedication to honoring commitments and expressed readiness to debate “two empty podiums in the Granite State this week.”
The cancellation of the New Hampshire debate raises questions about the dynamics within the Republican primary race and the challenges networks face in organizing meaningful discussions without full candidate participation. As the campaign season unfolds, the political landscape continues to evolve, leaving room for new opportunities and potential shifts in the primary narrative.
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