Reasons Why Trump Is Not Participating in the Republican Primary Debate

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Former President Donald Trump, who is making his third bid for the presidency, once again skipped the Republican primary debate. He did not attend the first debate held on the 23rd of last month in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, nor the second debate on the 27th. Instead, he chose to give a speech at a Detroit auto workers rally held on the day of the second debate. Prior to the first debate last month, he also refused to participate, saying, "The public knows who I am and how successfully I performed as president." Trump's approval rating stands at 51% (according to an ABC News poll), ahead of President Joe Biden's 42%. Within the Republican Party, he is far ahead of eight other primary candidates. Nevertheless, Trump is reportedly afraid of debate confrontations with other Republican primary candidates. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently summarized the reasons why "Trump fears the debates."

◆ 'No 80s President'... Age Attacks = The controversy over President Biden's advanced age continues as he faces a "return match" against former President Trump. If Biden wins re-election next year, he will be 86 years old at the end of his term. If Trump wins, he will be 82 years old at the end of his term. Can it be said that the age controversy surrounding Biden does not apply to Trump?

Trump is 25 years older than the average age (57) of the eight other Republican primary candidates. In particular, Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and a candidate in her 50s, has been the most vocal about the age issue. She has launched blunt attacks, saying, "Politicians over 75 need mental evaluations."

◆ Traps of the Past... Abortion, COVID-19 Policies, Capitol Riot = WSJ analyzed that one reason the Republican Party underperformed in last year's midterm elections, despite expectations of a big win, was Trump's stance on abortion. Last weekend, Trump targeted his primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, saying, "(DeSantis) made a terrible mistake by introducing a bill banning abortion after six weeks in Florida," yet he did not clearly state his own position on abortion rights.

In May, ahead of the first anniversary of the 'Roe v. Wade' decision that recognized abortion rights for American women, he boasted, "Thanks to the conservative Supreme Court justices I appointed, the ruling was overturned," but avoided giving a direct answer when asked if he would sign a federal law banning abortion if re-elected. WSJ pointed out that "(Trump) needs to provide serious answers regarding abortion rights, which have become a sharp agenda in American society since the overturning of Roe v. Wade."

◆ 'Four Criminal Trials, 91 Charges'... Various Judicial Risks = Trump's most vulnerable point is his 'judicial risk.' He is the first former or sitting president in history to be indicted as a defendant in criminal trials. He faces four indictments with a total of 91 charges, including attempts to overturn the election results, tax evasion and financial fraud related to his private businesses, the Capitol riot, and leaking classified White House documents.

Despite Trump's extensive experience as a businessman who has been through many challenges, it is expected to be difficult for him to provide exemplary answers that deflect ongoing judicial questions and avoid legal risks in real time. It is reported that Trump's close aides encouraged him to refuse debate appearances for these reasons. WSJ noted that Trump's refusal to attend debates is "a sign of weakness, not strength."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.