Fox News announced Wednesday that it will air a town hall featuring Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley next week after agreeing to host an event with Donald Trump as counter-programming to CNN’s Iowa debate.
Both forums will take place in Des Moines, Iowa, and center on women’s issues. Haley’s town hall will take place on January 8, followed by DeSantis on January 9.
Both events will air at 6 p.m. ET, during the time slot normally held by the “Special Report” program co-moderated by Bret Baier.
Baier, the network’s political chief, and “The Story” host Martha MacCallum will still hold a town hall with Trump in Des Moines beginning at 9 p.m. ET Jan. 10.
At the same hour, DeSantis and Haley are scheduled to face off in a CNN debate at nearby Drake University.
Fox News announced two additional town halls after critics blasted the network for giving Trump an excuse not to debate his two closest rivals in the national and state primaries.
Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley have begun ramping up their attacks on each other as the Iowa caucuses draw closer. Reuters
“Trump is a colossal coward for running to Fox News for cover during the next GOP debate,” said one Twitter user. “Fox news is a joke for providing that cover. Trump’s last ‘Town Hall’ with Fox did not feature questions, nor did the Town Hall. Trump can no longer answer unscripted questions.”
In response, Baier said on X Tuesday afternoon that Trump “wouldn’t have the questions in advance or any knowledge of the questions from me, Martha or from the people in the crowd — which will be a mix of Iowa voters.”
Baier added that “I approached the Trump campaign about doing a town hall in Iowa. They had rejected that debate (and all debates) and wanted to do it then.”
The former President will have no prior questions or knowledge of the questions from me, Martha or from the people in the audience – who will be a mix of Iowa voters. And I can confirm that I approached the Trump campaign about doing a town hall in Iowa. They have exchanged… https://t.co/36Hwm9NtZe
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) January 2, 2024
The response wasn’t enough to appease some critics, with Spectator USA contributing editor Stephen L. Miller asking Baier in response: “You agree to a real counterprogramming debate with a candidate who demands you and your network but refuses to debate?”
The town hall will be held in the final days before the Iowa caucuses on January 15.
New Hampshire is scheduled to hold its primary on Jan. 23.
Florida’s governor has boasted about his track record and insisted that he can be trusted to run the country. REUTERS Nikki Haley has faced heightened scrutiny as polls show her support has been on the rise in recent months. AP
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, the Republican Party has been forced to consider the issue of abortion, as opinion polls and a series of election results show the public is skeptical of restrictions on the procedure.
Trump is still the runaway frontrunner, with a commanding lead in every national poll and reliable primary.
Fox News previewed Tuesday that the town hall with Trump “will focus on key issues facing voters ahead of the Iowa Caucuses.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
