Trump to Host Campaign Rally as RNC Debate Draws Near

Former President Donald Trump is set to host a campaign rally during the same time as the upcoming third Republican primary debate, as announced by his campaign on Friday.

This decision reiterates the absence of the 2024 GOP frontrunner from the RNC-sponsored event, as the New York Post reported.

Trump's campaign has scheduled the rally for 7 p.m. in Hialeah, approximately 10 miles northwest of the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami. The debate is slated to take place at 8 p.m. and is co-hosted by NBC News.

The former president has made it clear that he intends to boycott the RNC's debates, citing his substantial lead in the polls. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung previously noted that Trump will persist in this stance "until he changes his mind."

Trump's History With the RNC

Trump skipped the first RNC-sponsored debate in Wisconsin this past August to conduct an interview with Tucker Carlson.

He also did not participate in the second debate held in California last month, as he chose to deliver a speech in Michigan instead. His campaign has even advocated for an end to all debates to allow the committee to focus on defeating President Biden.

RNC spokesperson Madison Gesiotto Gilbert expressed hope that the 77-year-old former president would attend future events to present a "contrasting vision" for the Republican Party.

Other Candidate's Thoughts

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old multimillionaire, has also suggested that he might not participate in the third debate.

Ramaswamy has been frustrated with the RNC's rules, which prevented him from engaging in outside debates after he was blocked from appearing alongside former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Fox News earlier this month.

As of Wednesday, Ramaswamy had not confirmed his attendance at the Miami event, even if he qualifies.

The criteria for the third debate include receiving contributions from 70,000 unique donors, with at least 200 unique donors per state in 20 or more states/jurisdictions and achieving at least 4% in specific polls.

With Trump's rally and the uncertainty surrounding the attendance of other candidates, the third Republican primary debate promises to be an intriguing event.