We'll see. I think it's too early to know how that will play out. I don't think it's in the RNC's interest to put all its eggs in Trump's basket. (The RNC has to "manage" Trump the way someone needs to "manage" your most difficult relative at Thanksgiving, so he doesn't ruin everything... but privately I doubt they're very keen, or positive about his general election chances, at this point.)
For better or (mostly) worse, lots of folks run for president mainly to raise their profileтАФto sell a book, angle for a TV gig, or build name recognition for future races. Those candidates will NOT pass up their opportunity for nationally televised debates. I'm willing to bet they'll happen, even if Trump won't take part (which I have my doubts about anyway). And if Trump's not there, I'm pretty sure Christie will just pummel him in absentia.
Oh, I don't think they can тАУ not in any big-picture sense of getting him to behave like a civilized human being or sane, constructive politician.
What I mean is that they're constantly maneuvering and placating him to keep him from destroying the Republican party. That's the threat: If Trump decides the GOP has crossed him, he'll turn third-party, wrecking the Republicans' chances in 2024 and maybe beyond. So the RNC is basically his hostage. Privately, the RNC most likely desperately wishes he were gone, but they have to stay on his good side. That's what I meant by "managing."
I take part of it back. Just read that the RNC's second debate will be at the Reagan Library. Nothing on whether Trump will go. I think he's already said he won't do debates.
Well if Trump said it, it must be the truth... ;-)
Just joshing. Again, I think it's too early to know. If Trump decides at some point that debating would be in his interests, or he just can't stand the FOMO, he WILL devise some excuse for changing his mind. Count on it. Making a statement has never once locked Trump into following through on it.
All true. Depends in part on who he's facing. Last time, everyone he faced, except for Hilary, pretty much folded when he began attacking them. This time? Wasn't Christie coaching him for the 2020 debates? Christie, so far, seems to be fighting against him. Not holding much hope that he continues. Pence will fold, so will the others probably. Ronnie? Depends. But the fact that he signed several of his most controversial bills almost behind closed doors doesn't exactly say much for his courage. Personally, I think he's all talk and bluff. He's riding high because he's got a tame legislature. The fact that he's losing populated parts of FL to Ds isn't helping him. And I think Disney is just getting started. Not to mention if FL gets another Andrew or Ian and he does nothing, he'll be toast. Which, again, leaves Trump in charge of the party.
Which is why Trump (and the RNC) isn't doing debates.
We'll see. I think it's too early to know how that will play out. I don't think it's in the RNC's interest to put all its eggs in Trump's basket. (The RNC has to "manage" Trump the way someone needs to "manage" your most difficult relative at Thanksgiving, so he doesn't ruin everything... but privately I doubt they're very keen, or positive about his general election chances, at this point.)
For better or (mostly) worse, lots of folks run for president mainly to raise their profileтАФto sell a book, angle for a TV gig, or build name recognition for future races. Those candidates will NOT pass up their opportunity for nationally televised debates. I'm willing to bet they'll happen, even if Trump won't take part (which I have my doubts about anyway). And if Trump's not there, I'm pretty sure Christie will just pummel him in absentia.
The RNC has never been able to "manage" Trump in the past. Why would you imagine they could do it now?
Oh, I don't think they can тАУ not in any big-picture sense of getting him to behave like a civilized human being or sane, constructive politician.
What I mean is that they're constantly maneuvering and placating him to keep him from destroying the Republican party. That's the threat: If Trump decides the GOP has crossed him, he'll turn third-party, wrecking the Republicans' chances in 2024 and maybe beyond. So the RNC is basically his hostage. Privately, the RNC most likely desperately wishes he were gone, but they have to stay on his good side. That's what I meant by "managing."
I take part of it back. Just read that the RNC's second debate will be at the Reagan Library. Nothing on whether Trump will go. I think he's already said he won't do debates.
Well if Trump said it, it must be the truth... ;-)
Just joshing. Again, I think it's too early to know. If Trump decides at some point that debating would be in his interests, or he just can't stand the FOMO, he WILL devise some excuse for changing his mind. Count on it. Making a statement has never once locked Trump into following through on it.
All true. Depends in part on who he's facing. Last time, everyone he faced, except for Hilary, pretty much folded when he began attacking them. This time? Wasn't Christie coaching him for the 2020 debates? Christie, so far, seems to be fighting against him. Not holding much hope that he continues. Pence will fold, so will the others probably. Ronnie? Depends. But the fact that he signed several of his most controversial bills almost behind closed doors doesn't exactly say much for his courage. Personally, I think he's all talk and bluff. He's riding high because he's got a tame legislature. The fact that he's losing populated parts of FL to Ds isn't helping him. And I think Disney is just getting started. Not to mention if FL gets another Andrew or Ian and he does nothing, he'll be toast. Which, again, leaves Trump in charge of the party.