Ramaswamy to Join Third GOP Primary Debate After Criticisms

GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy plans to participate in the third Republican primary debate despite previously questioning whether he should appear.

Ramaswamy has met the qualifications for the debate that is scheduled for Nov. 8.

Vivek Ramaswamy says he’s in for third RNC debate despite criticism of rules https://t.co/aUp5uoCV8f pic.twitter.com/98P7ATxTuW

— New York Post (@nypost) October 30, 2023

“While the last two debates were not terribly useful, neither in substance nor viewership, Vivek has never shied away from debate in any forum," spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Post.

In that spirit, and with a leaner stage, Vivek looks forward to the next debate on Nov. 8,” she added.

Lester Holt, Kristen Welker and Hugh Hewitt to moderate third GOP debate https://t.co/5Uo5odTT2x

— POLITICO (@politico) October 25, 2023

"So far, five candidates have hit the Republican National Committee’s increasingly stringent requirements to make it onto the debate stage," Politico reported.

"Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have all qualified, as has the current frontrunner, former President Donald Trump — who is set to again skip the debate in favor of his own rally in nearby Hialeah, Fla." it continued.

Many conservatives are also concerned about Lester Holt and Kristen Welker moderating the debate. Both hosts have long clearly opposed Republican candidates.

The Miami debate will also be in the home state of two candidates, DeSantis and Trump, who may benefit more from the location.

Recent polls have continued to show Trump with a large lead over other GOP candidates, with DeSantis and Haley battling for second in recent weeks.

Still, Ramaswamy has polled well, especially among younger voters, and seeks to bounce back with a strong showing in Miami during the third debate as he seeks to build more traction ahead of early primary battles next year in Iowa and New Hampshire.