The upcoming Republican presidential debate has been canceled by ABC News after Nikki Haley declared that she would not participate unless Donald Trump is present. Trump has consistently refused to join any of the Republican primary debates, leaving Ron DeSantis as the sole candidate committed to the event in New Hampshire scheduled for Thursday.
In a statement released during her campaign in New Hampshire, Haley expressed disappointment in Trump's avoidance of the debates, stating, “We’ve had five great debates in this campaign. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them. He has nowhere left to hide. The next debate I do will either be with Donald Trump or with Joe Biden. I look forward to it.”
Haley's decision comes after the crucial Iowa caucuses, where Trump secured a significant victory, surpassing Haley, who received just over 19% of the vote, and DeSantis, with 21%. The previous debate featured only Haley and DeSantis, where Haley's performance fell short of expectations, allowing DeSantis to overtake her for second place in Iowa.
ABC News spokesperson Van Scott stated, “Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses, but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race.” Haley's refusal also raises uncertainties about another scheduled debate in New Hampshire on CNN, set for Sunday.
DeSantis accused Haley of being afraid to debate and avoiding tough questions, claiming she is "running to be Trump’s VP." He expressed anticipation for debating two empty podiums in the Granite State.
Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, labeled Haley a "desperate globalist" who supports higher taxes, open borders, and Chinese dominance in the United States. He added, “That’s why the only people who are voting for her are Democrats who are trying to interfere in a Republican primary.”
As the GOP campaign moves to New Hampshire ahead of the state’s primary, Haley remains confident that her commitment to the state and positive polling will provide the momentum needed to challenge Trump's influence. During her campaign in Iowa, reporters repeatedly asked Haley about her commitment to Thursday’s debate, hosted by ABC and WMUR-TV at Saint Anselm College. Following his caucus win, Trump attended legal proceedings in New York and held a rally in New Hampshire.
