Second Republican debate: Donald Trump’s absence is another missed opportunity
Christopher Tremoglie
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The second Republican presidential debate will feature seven candidates vying for the GOP nomination for president, yet who is not at tonight’s debate will receive as much, if not more, attention than who is. Former President Donald Trump once again decided to skip tonight’s event and, just like last time, is missing an opportunity to connect with voters.
Moreover, a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll showed Trump with a commanding lead over President Joe Biden, holding a 51%-42% lead in a hypothetical matchup. And while this poll seems to be an outlier, Trump currently has a slight lead over Biden in the RealClearPolitics average of polling data for the presidential election. His appearance at the debate could have built on it and potentially earned him even more support. Skipping the debate is a missed opportunity.
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Everyone knows that even though there are seven other candidates, Trump would dominate the debate. It would most likely center on him. With polls showing that he is slightly ahead, he could use the debate stage to appeal to more of the country’s voters, especially those who are not registered Republicans. He could have used this as an opportunity to try to expand his base.
Additionally, he could have also used it as an opportunity to win back some of the GOP voters he lost recently. This is especially true after Trump’s recent interview flubs when answering questions about abortion and transgender issues. Plus, he could clarify his answers and reassure the faith of Republican voters that he was not weakening or backtracking on those social issues.
Given his massive lead in GOP primary polls, it’s understandable that he is not. Nevertheless, he could have used it to help earn voters in the general election, and he could have also used it as practice to sharpen his debate skills for the general election against President Joe Biden, assuming he maintains his lead and earns the nomination.