Follow along for live updates on the first 2024 Republican presidential debate, which kicks off at 9 p.m. ET. The field’s early front-runner, Donald Trump, is skipping the event in favor of an interview with Tucker Carlson instead. The Associated Press has the story:
The 1st 2024 Republican presidential debate is an hour away
Newslooks- MILWAUKEE (AP)
‘I’M IN,’ BURGUM SAYS AFTER INJURING ACHILLES
Doug Burgum is a go.
The North Dakota governor will participate in Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate after injuring his Achilles tendon during a basketball game, he confirmed on social media.
“I’m in,” he wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He included a photo of himself walking with crutches on to the debate stage. He wore a boot on his left foot.
Burgum did a walk-through of the stage on his injured leg earlier Wednesday to test whether he would be able to attend. He hurt his Achilles the day before.
BIDEN SAYS HE PLANS TO TRY TO WATCH DEBATE
President Joe Biden says he’s plans to take a break from vacation to watch the first Republican presidential debate, contradicting previous White House comment hoping he might avoid it.
On Wednesday, the president and first lady traveled to Pelo Dog Pilates and Indoor Cycling Boutique in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Speaking to reporters as he left the boutique, the president was asked about watching the GOP debate taking place hours later in Milwaukee. “I’m going to try to see — get as much as I can, yes,” he said.
Asked about his expectations, he responded, “I have none.”
Biden has nothing on his public schedule for the rest of the week after traveling to Hawaii on Monday to survey wildfire damage. While flying there aboard Air Force One, deputy White House press secretary Olivia Dalton was asked if Biden planned to watch the debate and responded, “I don’t know. I sure hope not.”
“I hope for his sake,” Dalton added. “So, but I don’t know, actually.”
CARLSON INTERVIEW WITH TRUMP TO AIR SHORTLY BEFORE DEBATE
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson‘s interview with Donald Trump will air at 8:55 p.m. Eastern time, just minutes before the first Republican presidential debate begins.
Carlson says his interview with Trump will be posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The interview with the early 2024 Republican presidential front-runner was prerecorded.
Trump indicated for months that he would likely skip the first GOP debate, questioning why he should appear in the same forum as candidates trailing far behind him in polls.
His move also serves the purpose of jabbing at debate host Fox News, which he has criticized as being disloyal to him. Trump’s absence from the debate is widely expected to bring down audience numbers.
WHAT TO KNOW
— Trump won’t be at the GOP’s first presidential debate. But his presence will be felt
— Who’s in, who’s out, who’s boycotting: The 8 candidates expected on stage
— Want to tune in for the debate? Here’s how to watch
— Trump’s decision to back out tests Fox News’ ability to pivot again
— The GOP presidential debate puts the spotlight on swing-state Wisconsin
