ABC News cancels NH debate as Haley declines another face-off with DeSantis
ABC News Cancels Debate as Nikki Haley Declines to Face Ron DeSantis Again
ABC News has made the decision to cancel a highly anticipated debate that was scheduled for later this week. The cancellation comes after former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley made it clear that she would only participate in a debate against either Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
“We’ve had five great debates in this campaign. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them,” Haley stated. “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 statement came just a day after the Iowa caucuses, where Trump emerged as the clear winner with 51% of the vote. DeSantis secured second place with 21%, while Haley trailed behind in third with 19%. Notably, Haley had heavily focused her efforts on Iowa, spending a staggering $37 million on pro-Haley ads in the state, surpassing the amounts spent by both DeSantis and Trump.
Prior to the caucuses, Haley engaged in a head-to-head debate with DeSantis. However, a poll conducted by J.L. Partners revealed that the majority of viewers, 55%, believed that DeSantis had won the debate, while only 31% thought Haley came out on top.
DeSantis criticized Haley for her decision to skip the upcoming debate, accusing her of avoiding tough questions regarding her financial ties to Boeing. He tweeted, “Nikki Haley is afraid to debate because she doesn’t want to answer the tough questions such as how she got rich off Boeing after giving them millions in taxpayer handouts as governor of South Carolina. The reality is that she is not running for the nomination, she’s running to be Trump’s VP. I won’t snub New Hampshire voters like both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, and plan to honor my commitments. I look forward to debating two empty podiums in the Granite State this week.”
Despite speculation that Haley is positioning herself for the vice presidency in a potential Trump administration, she has firmly denied these claims. In an interview with CBS News, she stated, “I’m not interested in being vice president. I’m running to be president and I’m running to win and we will.”
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Trump also took the opportunity to criticize Haley on social media, expressing his disdain for her poor performance in the Iowa Primary. He wrote, “Americans for Chinese Prosperity, a RINO Charles Koch con job that is funding, along with many Democrats and others that aren’t feeling so well right now, is very embarrassed by the poor showing of Nikki ‘Birdbrain’ Haley in yesterday’s Iowa Primary. She placed a distant THIRD, after spending millions of Koch’s largely Inherited and OPM Dollars. I HATE WHAT THEY REPRESENT, OPEN BORDERS AND ALL — SO BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY!!!”
How did Haley’s decision to only participate in a debate with Trump or Biden impact the cancellation of the ABC News debate and what does this mean for the future of the remaining debates in the primary race?
64% to be exact, believed that DeSantis won the debate. This was seen as a blow to Haley’s campaign and may have influenced her decision to decline another debate with him.
ABC News had initially hoped to host a rematch between Haley and DeSantis, given their close rankings in the Iowa caucuses. The debate was expected to provide an opportunity for both candidates to address their policies and plans in a direct and public forum.
However, Haley’s decision to only participate in a debate with Trump or Biden has led to the cancellation of the event. This decision raises questions about the future of the remaining debates in the primary race, as well as the influence of top-tier candidates on the scheduling and format of debates.
The cancellation of the ABC News debate is undoubtedly disappointing for the network and for viewers who were eagerly anticipating the showdown between Haley and DeSantis. The debate would have been an important platform for the candidates to articulate their positions on crucial issues and engage in direct exchanges.
It is clear that Haley’s refusal to participate in a debate with DeSantis stems from her desire to focus on the front-runners in the race. By limiting her debate participation to Trump or Biden, she is aiming to position herself as a contender at the highest level of the primary.
Haley’s decision also reflects a broader trend in this election cycle, where candidates are increasingly selective about their debate participation. This selectiveness may be driven by the desire to avoid confrontations with opponents who may pose a significant challenge, or it may be a strategic move to consolidate support among a specific set of voters.
The cancellation of the ABC News debate raises important questions about the role and impact of debates in the primary process. Debates serve as a critical means for candidates to make their case to voters, demonstrate their knowledge and leadership abilities, and engage in rigorous discussions on policy matters.
As the primary race intensifies and the field of candidates narrows, it will be crucial for networks and organizers to adapt their approach to debates to ensure that they continue to serve their intended purpose. This may involve rethinking the format, scheduling, and criteria for participation to accommodate the preferences and strategies of candidates.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the ABC News debate highlights the strategic considerations and dynamics at play in the primary race. While it is disappointing for viewers and for the candidates’ supporters, it underscores the need for a thoughtful and adaptable approach to debates in a rapidly evolving political landscape. As the race progresses, it will be interesting to see how candidates navigate the debate stage and how networks and organizers respond to their demands and preferences.
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