The former president also shrugged off the idea that bypassing the debate might allow Florida Gov. Ron Desantis — who has consistently elevated to second place behind Trump — to gain on him.
« Do you see any risk that if you don’t show up, Ron DeSantis has a good night and cuts himself ahead? » Asked the presenter Maria Bartiromo.
“Or someone else has a good night and cuts their head, because that’s what’s happening. He’s coming down and a couple of them are coming up,” Trump replied.
But he added, « I haven’t really decided. »
Reagan participated in GOP debates during the 1980 presidential election – even paying for one in New Hampshire from his campaign funds – although he bypassed the first one in Iowa. There were no debates during the 1984 primary season when Reagan was seeking a second term, as Reagan did not have significant Republican opposition.
