Establishment media outlets CNN and ABC News are reportedly interested in hosting independent Republican primary presidential debates in the coming months.
Some GOP candidates previously voiced support for additional debates, though it is unknown if they would participate in establishment network events. GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slammed the Republican National Committee (RNC) for allowing NBC News the privilege to host the November 8 debate.
WATCH — Vivek Slams RNC for Picking NBC for Debate, Calls for McDaniel’s Resignation: “Party of Losers”
NBC NewsThe networks could independently schedule the debates in coming months, Politico reported Monday:
- ABC News: Before New Hampshire’s January 23 primary
- CNN: Unknown
A person familiar with the RNC’s debate deliberations told Politico the committee did not commit to holding additional debates. When Breitbart News requested comment, the committee did not clarify if it would hold any more debates with an establishment news network.
The committee “will meet to decide the details of future debates next week,” an RNC spokesperson told Breitbart News. During that meeting, the committee plans to consider terminating candidate pledges. The pledges prevent candidates from participating in non-RNC-sanctioned debates.
“Should the RNC forgo hosting future debates, it would allow the networks to set criteria for qualifications and format, something the RNC has done for the first four debates,” Politico reported.
The RNC has held three debates so far in 2023. The fourth is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.
Former President Donald Trump did not participate in the previous debates, citing his massive polling lead over Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC).
RELATED EXCLUSIVE — Trump: “Sort of Foolish” to Do First GOP Debate with Lead Since Fox News “Hostile Network”
Matthew Perdie / Breitbart News, Jack Knudsen / Breitbart NewsFollow Wendell Husebø on “X” @WendellHusebø. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality.
