Trump opts to deliver competing speech in Detroit instead of participating in second GOP debate

Biden Trailing Trump by One Point in 2024 Presidential Race, CBS News Poll Reveals

In a recent CBS News poll, former President Donald Trump is shown to have a narrow lead over President Joe Biden in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup for the 2024 presidency. Trump’s decision to skip the second Republican presidential primary debate next week in California has only further solidified his position as the frontrunner in the Republican field.

The New York Times first reported that Trump would forgo the California debate in favor of delivering remarks to a union crowd in Detroit. This move is seen as a strategic one, as United Auto Workers members in the city have been actively protesting for better wages, schedules, and benefits. By addressing this audience, Trump aims to gain their support and demonstrate his commitment to their cause.

The exact time and audience for Trump’s speech are yet to be confirmed. However, the decision to skip the California debate altogether highlights his confidence in his lead and his belief that the debates are unnecessary. During the 2016 primary campaign, Trump also skipped the first GOP debate in favor of a primetime interview with Tucker Carlson.

The second GOP debate is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 27th, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Fox News journalists Stuart Varney and Dana Perino will moderate the event, alongside Univision’s Ilia Calderón. The Republican National Committee has not yet announced the list of candidates who have qualified to participate in the debate. To qualify, candidates must meet certain polling and campaign donor thresholds.

Aside from Trump, other candidates likely to meet the requirements include entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum have not yet qualified.

The CBS News poll that showed Trump leading Biden by one point has added fuel to the already intense race for the 2024 presidency. Trump garnered 50% of the support, while Biden received 49%. These results indicate that the race is likely to be highly competitive and closely contested.

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, it is clear that both Trump and Biden are positioning themselves as strong contenders. Trump’s decision to skip the California debate showcases his confidence and his focus on engaging with key constituencies, such as the union workers in Detroit. Meanwhile, Biden will need to rally his base and present a compelling vision for the future in order to regain momentum and secure a second term in office.

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Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-09-19 01:09:00