The upcoming Republican presidential debate, scheduled by ABC News, has been canceled after Nikki Haley declared that she would not take the stage unless Donald Trump participates. Trump has consistently refused to join any of the Republican primary debates, leaving Ron DeSantis as the sole confirmed candidate for the event in New Hampshire.
Haley, campaigning in New Hampshire, released a statement expressing disappointment in Trump's avoidance of the debates. She stated, "Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them. He has nowhere left to hide. The next debate I do will either be with Donald Trump or with Joe Biden. I look forward to it."
The decision comes in the aftermath of the crucial Iowa caucuses, where Trump secured a significant victory, outperforming both Haley and DeSantis. Haley's performance in the previous debate, which featured only her and DeSantis, may have influenced her decision, as DeSantis ultimately surpassed her for second place in Iowa.
Haley had urged caucusgoers to choose her, emphasizing that she provides Republicans with a stronger chance against Biden in November, citing survey data showing her leading the GOP field in a theoretical general election matchup.
ABC News spokesperson Van Scott mentioned, "Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses, but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race."
Haley's refusal to participate also raises doubts about another New Hampshire debate scheduled on Sunday, hosted by CNN.
DeSantis criticized Haley, accusing her of avoiding tough questions and running to be Trump's vice president. He expressed readiness to debate two empty podiums in New Hampshire.
Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, called Haley a "desperate globalist" and criticized her policy positions. He suggested that Democrats supporting her are attempting to interfere in a Republican primary.
As the GOP campaign shifts to New Hampshire, Haley remains confident in her commitment to the state and hopes that the support she has garnered will cut into Trump's dominance. New Hampshire Republican party chairman Chris Ager expressed a desire for all candidates to participate, emphasizing the expectations of a local debate in the state. Candidates skipping the event, he stated, do so at their own risk.