Ronna McDaniel warns Trump against skipping primary debates

McDaniel confirmed she had discussed the matter with Trump but did not divulge any details into those communications.

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 19, 2023 9:46pm

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on Wednesday warned former President Donald Trump that skipping the Republican Party's primary debates would be a mistake.

Appearing on Fox News, McDaniel said that Trump "should be on the stage," amid speculation that he may opt against making such an appearance. The former president has pointed to his clear front-runner status, arguing he may not need to appear in debates because he is so far ahead of the other candidates.

Host Steve Doocy noted that Trump had yet to commit to appear on the debate stage for the Aug. 23 event and asked McDaniel whether she had attempted to encourage Trump to attend.

McDaniel confirmed she had discussed the matter with Trump, but did not divulge any details into those communications.

"I think it's a mistake to not do the debates," she said. "But that's gonna be up to him and his campaign."

She instead contended that he ought to appear, saying "you want to win the nomination, you've got to get in front of those primary voters."

McDaniel further insisted that getting on the debate stage is a way to "take up all the oxygen in the room" and prevent President Joe Biden from dominating the media coverage of the contest.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.