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Former US President Donald Trump has firmly declared his reluctance to commit to supporting the eventual 2024 Republican nominee, a prerequisite for participation in the initial GOP presidential primary debate, an event that he has yet to confirm attendance.
“I have reservations about endorsing the pledge. Why should I bind myself with a pledge? There are individuals included whom I wouldn’t offer my endorsement to,” stated Trump, aged 77, in an interview with Newsmax host Eric Bolling on Wednesday, August 9.
Trump went on to emphasize, “I can identify three or four individuals for whom I wouldn’t extend my support as presidential candidates. This underscores the issue with the Republican National Committee’s stipulation for loyalty.”
The demand to sign the “Beat Biden pledge” has been instituted by Republican party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to mitigate internal conflicts within the primaries and the general election.
Prospective candidates who have fulfilled the Republican National Committee’s polling and fundraising prerequisites for participation in the August 23 debate in Milwaukee have until 48 hours before the event to endorse the pledge.
This pledge obliges candidates to “affirm” their commitment to respecting the primary voters’ decision and supporting the nominee if they do not secure the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. It also bars them from pursuing a third-party or write-in campaign, with the aim of unifying efforts against Joe Biden.
Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have submitted their signed pledges to the RNC.
Trump revealed to Bolling that he has already reached a decision about participating in the Milwaukee debate and intends to reveal his choice next week.
Despite being the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, Trump reiterated his skepticism regarding the benefits of taking part.
“When you’re commanding 75%, 78%, or 80% in the polls, while others linger at 0%, 1%, 2%, or 3%, you must consider, what is the advantage? Will my ratings rise by a single point? Though theirs could ascend,” Trump reasoned.
He further expounded, “Figures like Asa Hutchinson, who polls at zero, and Chris Christie, polling at 1%, are likely to pose acrimonious questions. This applies to others as well.”
The former president, who has faced criminal charges on three occasions since leaving office, refuted allegations that he is avoiding debates with his 2024 rivals out of fear.
“Detractors may assert, ‘He lacks courage. He lacks courage.’ I mean, I engaged in a CNN town hall, an arena of considerable hostility. I received praise for my performance to the extent that the head of CNN was ousted. However, this isn’t about courage; it’s about astuteness,” Trump contended. He noted that he hasn’t entirely ruled out participation and that he derives enjoyment from debates.
“I’ve garnered commendation for my debating skills, but the nation yearns for an intelligent leader. They desire a president with acumen. Thus, our actions must be grounded in wisdom,” the former president concluded.
