2023-06-28 19:43:37
CONCORD — No one can force Donald Trump to debate, except maybe Donald Trump. The Republican National Committee can’t do it. Neither does Fox News, nor the array of his advisers who think he should take on his Republican rivals on stage in Milwaukee in August.
Also, none of those rivals are close enough to Trump in the polls to make him feel necessary. Arguably, like any favorite, he has more to lose than gain in a debate.
“He’s not going to debate unless he’s forced to by changing the polls,” said one person who encouraged Trump to participate. “I don’t agree with that, but it’s where he is.”
All of that helps explain why, in interviews with more than half a dozen aides, it became clear that, even in his private conversations, Trump is largely inclined to skip that first debate. Trump is also exploring options for a public appearance during the first debate, according to people familiar with his deliberations.
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