Monday’s Republican primary debate in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been canceled, according to the Republican National Committee and the host, Fox News.
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GOP organizers have said Trump, like all the candidates, was told of the debate, which was scheduled for at 7 p.m. Monday at the Salt Palace, and was set to run on Fox News. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks, as Republican presidential candidates, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, right, and businessman Donald Trump, left, listen, during the Republican presidential debate sponsored by CNN, Salem Media Group and the Washington Times at the University of Miami, Thursday, March 10, 2016, in Coral Gables, Fla. Trump bowed out of one Fox-sponsored debate earlier in the season after he tussled with host Kelly.
Clemente also said in the statement Fox News only agreed to host the debate, “provided there were enough candidates actively campaigning”.
“I think we have had enough debates”, he said.
“I think they want to do two more debates, and I guess I’m pretty much OK with it”, he said then.
The dropped debate is bad news for Kasich and Cruz because it allows Trump to continue doing what he’s doing unchallenged, robbing them of an opportunity to gain ground and score points.
Trump previously declined to participate in a January 28 Fox News/Google debate in Des Moines – a decision Trump made after his well-publicized feud with Fox debate moderator Megyn Kelly.
“I don’t think it’s an illogical move from him”, Wallace said on the “Kilmeade and Friends” radio program.
The debate was scheduled for March 21 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Trump’s decision to skip the debate may affect the actions of his competitors. And if you ask Trump, debates are no longer important. “Nobody told me about it. And I won’t be there, no”.
The Cruz camp hopes to make Trump pay for his withdrawal by portraying it as cowardly.
Fox News announced the debate weeks ago. Trump’s strong performance in Tuesday’s voting – winning Florida, Illinois and North Carolina – solidified his status as the GOP frontrunner. The next day with a bulk of primary states isn’t for another six weeks, when Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island will vote.
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What time is the next Republican presidential debate?
