The RNC (Republican National Committee) has criteria for those on the stage. A candidate must have 1% of at least three national polls or 1% in two national polls and in a poll form two of the first four states to vote in the Republican caucuses and primaries, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. In addition they must bring at least 40,000 unique donors, including 200 unique donors from 20 or more states and territories. Also, they must sign a loyalty pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. I call it the “Ted Cruz” rule.
Let’s look at who some media say will make it, as of this date. Let’s leave the obvious one for last, Donald J. Trump, he meets all the criteria.
Nikki Haley – polling should meet the requirement, Haley’s campaign says he has met the fundraising and will sign the loyalty pledge. In a tweet Haley tweeted, “Absolutely irresponsible that Trump, DeSantis and others won’t commit 100% to supporting the Republican nominee. There’s no room for personal vendettas in this battle to save our country,”
Ron DeSantis – meets all criteria except a definitive statement on supporting the eventual nominee. Statements that he expects to be the nominee and will work to defeat Joe Biden. But what if he ain’t the nominee and Joe Biden ain’t the nominee?
Mike Pence – polling has been solid to meet the threshold, fundraising should meet or exceed the requirements, He has told CNN, “I’ve always supported the Republican nominee for president in the United States. And I’ll support the Republican nominee in 2024, especially if it’s me.”
Tim Scott – has said he has met the requirements to participate in the debates. He has receieved as high as 10 percent in a South Carolina (his home state) in a recent poll. He has brought in $2 million in the first 24 hours after starting his run. He has been quoted that all the GOP candidates would be “better than any Democrat.”
Vivek Ramaswamy – is on track with polling, money and the loyalty pledge to make the debate stage. He is emphasizing “grassroots”
Chris Christie – is achieving the polling and expected to meet the fundraising goals. He has been perceived as argumentative toward the loyalty pledge. He appears to be the anti Trump candidate.
Asa Hutchinson – has polled enough to make the debate stage, he has been critical of the donor limit and the loyalty pledge.
Larry Elder – in the polls that Elder has been included in, he has polled 1% or more. He has called the debate requirements “onerous”. He appears to want to be on the debate stage.
Doug Burgum – North Dakota Governor has the financial deep pockets and has been selling merchandise including $1 flags to get to the 40,000 donors. Polling will be his hurdle. He will support any GOP candidate it seems.
Francis Suarez – Miami Mayor and son of former Mayor is not making the percentage threshold, he is asking for $1 donations and has remarked that Trump is innocent until proven guilty.
Will Hurd – former Rep. Will Hurd WILL NOT be on the debate stage. He has said he will not sign a loyalty pledge, arguing that political parties should not try to “rig” who is participating in the debate. He has been polling at 0 percent since his bid began last month.
Donald J. Trump – Obviously President Trump will be on the stage (if he wants to be) he has the polling, he has the donations, all that remains is his loyalty pledge. Chris Christie has said Trump’s ego will not allow him to NOT be on the debate stage. At lunch on Friday a friend of mine and I were talking and laughed at the prospect that if Trump did not attend at his own choosing and still became the nominee how funny that would be to the other candidates.
I am waiting out the process to see who I like. I have one I am leaning toward and I have one that is my last choice.
