President Donald Trump rejected RNC Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel’s directive concerning a new rule for Republican primary debates.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) now mandates that all participants in officially sanctioned debates must sign a pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee with the goal of defeating President Biden.
During an interview on Newsmax with host Eric Bolling, Trump addressed this rule change.
Bolling inquired, “Fox senior executives had discussions with you, and they presented their case. Did their efforts make an impact?”
Trump responded, “They were cordial. They were quite polite. They had their points.”
Bolling continued, “I ask because I conducted a poll on Twitter, and nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed concern that you might fall into a setup during the debate. Does this worry you, that Fox might stage something?”
Trump reflected, “When you’re polling at 75, 78, 80%, while others are at 0, 1%, 2%, 3%, you have to consider, ‘What’s the benefit?’ Would I gain one more percentage point? They, on the other hand, could make gains. They’re not foolish; they are senators and governors. They’re smart individuals. We have some great candidates.”
Trump then addressed his reservations about the debate for another reason. “I wouldn’t sign the pledge to support the winner of the GOP primary,” he affirmed. “Why would I sign a pledge when there are candidates I wouldn’t endorse? There are three or four individuals I wouldn’t support for president. So, there’s a challenge there.”
Bolling inquired, “May I ask which three?”
Trump clarified, “There’s no need to disparage them, but there are a few candidates who many wouldn’t back. They won’t make any significant progress, by the way. They won’t secure the nomination,” Trump noted. “But I wouldn’t endorse them.”
Bolling pressed on, “The RNC indicates this as a requirement—will you not sign it?”
Trump explained, “They include three or four candidates that I wouldn’t endorse—candidates who could imagine them as president? Someone like Asa Hutchinson, who’s polling at zero, asking me pointed questions. Or Chris Christie, polling at 1%, and he’s going to ask me pointed questions. Others as well. However, there are those who are quite capable, like Tim Scott and Ramaswamy, who have been respectful. These are competent and admirable individuals. Yet, why should I comply when I hold a substantial lead? Ronald Reagan didn’t do it, neither did Nixon, nor did many others. I will assess the matter thoughtfully.”
ERIC BOLLING
PRESIDENT TRUMP JOINS THE BALANCE pic.twitter.com/Ap5ENea2hb
— Stalin 🇺🇸 (@StalinCruz) August 10, 2023
I’ve interviewed TRUMP dozens of times.
This was the most engaged he’s been.. ever. Watch now #@NEWSMAX— 🐊ERIC BOLLING🐊 (@ericbolling) August 9, 2023