Former President Donald Trump is threatening to skip the first Republican primary debate and host his own "alternative" event instead, reported Reuters on Thursday — partly because he is already so far ahead in the polls, and partly because he resents what he perceives to be unfair coverage from Fox News, which will be hosting the debate.
"In a telephone interview with Reuters, Trump said 'possibly not' when asked if he would be at the debate, to be hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee on Aug. 23," said the report.
"The debate will be the first chance for voters to see the Republican presidential candidates square off against each other," said the report. "Trump called Fox News, which he has criticized for not covering his campaign events, a 'hostile network' and said he saw little merit in debating candidates like former New Jersey governor Chris Christie who are far behind him in polling. 'Why would I give them time to make statements? Why would I do that when I'm leading them by 50 points and 60 points,' Trump said."
Polling shows Trump to be an overwhelming favorite among Republican primary voters, with a national lead over his closest rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis, ranging between 30 and 40 points — although Trump's level of support varies more considerably in state-level polls.
All of this comes amid fierce debate in the Republican Party over the conditions to qualify for the debate stage, which includes taking a loyalty pledge to support the eventual nominee.
One candidate, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, has expressed discomfort that the pledge doesn't have an exception in case the nominee is convicted of a crime, as Trump is currently under multiple state and federal indictments.
