Trump Skips GOP Debate, Chooses Interview with Tucker Carlson Instead

id email address to continue reading this article.Skipping GOP debate, Trump speaks with Tucker Carlson

Former President Donald Trump chose to skip the first GOP debate and instead opted for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The pre-taped interview was made available on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, just minutes before the debate began.

During the interview, Trump explained his decision to skip the debate, citing his significant lead in the polls and his reluctance to be harassed by candidates who he believes shouldn’t even be running for president. He also criticized the network hosting the debate, Fox News, stating that they are not particularly friendly towards him.

While the debate was taking place, the candidates on stage were asked if they would support Trump as the GOP nominee if he is convicted in any of the four separate cases against him. Six of the candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence, raised their hands, while former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie did not.

Trump’s decision to air his interview with Carlson on the same night as the debate is seen as a slight to Fox News and the rest of the GOP field. Trump has become increasingly critical of Fox News in recent months, and the network canceled Carlson’s show in April following a lawsuit over its 2020 election reporting.

Despite their past differences, it was Trump who approached Carlson about the possibility of airing an interview on the same night as the debate. Carlson stated that as the frontrunner in the Republican race, voters have an interest in hearing what Trump thinks.

During the interview, Trump shared his thoughts on the 2024 field, stating that if President Biden isn’t the Democrats’ ultimate candidate, it would be a free-for-all and Vice President Kamala Harris wouldn’t necessarily be the nominee. He also criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom he referred to as “DeSanctus,” stating that he believes DeSantis is out of the race.

Trump continued to criticize his former vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to overturn the election results on January 6, 2021. He also discussed the passion and hatred displayed by his supporters on that day, stating that he has never seen such spirit and love, but also such hatred.

Trump’s appearance with Carlson comes just before he is expected to turn himself in at a Georgia jail after being indicted on charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.

Despite his legal troubles, recent polling shows that Trump’s lead among likely Republican primary voters is only growing. A CBS News/YouGov poll taken this month revealed that 62% of likely Republican primary voters would choose Trump if they voted today, with DeSantis as the second choice at 16%.

Trump’s decision to skip the debate and instead speak with Carlson showcases his confidence in his lead in the polls and his desire to control the narrative surrounding his campaign. As the 2024 race continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump’s unconventional campaign strategy will impact his chances of securing the GOP nomination.

How does Trump’s deliberate attempt to overshadow the debate and garner attention for himself further solidify his role as a central figure in the GOP and highlight the ongoing tensions between him and Fox News

Is aware of his disdain. By choosing to bypass the debate and speak with Carlson instead, Trump is prioritizing his own messaging and control over the narrative.

During the interview, Trump reiterated his stance on being the frontrunner in the polls and dismissed his opponents, calling some of them unfit for the presidency. He also took aim at Fox News, suggesting that they are biased against him.

Meanwhile, on the debate stage, candidates were faced with a question regarding their support for Trump if he were to face legal convictions. The majority of candidates, including Pence, pledged their loyalty to Trump, while Hutchinson and Christie did not raise their hands.

Overall, by eschewing the debate, Trump has demonstrated his strategy of setting himself apart from traditional political norms and institutions. The timing of the interview signals his deliberate attempt to overshadow the debate and garner attention for himself. This move further solidifies Trump’s role as a central figure in the GOP and highlights the ongoing tensions between him and Fox News.