The first Republican presidential debate doesn't occur until August, and the first votes won't be cast in the Iowa caucuses until January. But the question now rising in political circles: Who will be the first contender to drop out of the GOP nomination race, and when will it happen? (RELATED: What Do Trump's Rivals Genuinely Hope To Achieve?)
According to The Wall Street Journal, the thinking among Republican consultants, talking heads, donors and others is that a large field of candidates – many of whom are polling in the single digits – needs to show some improvement. And soon. If not, then those candidates who just haven't got it should stow their egos and drop out. History says that's exactly what most will do long before Iowans head out to vote:
Since 1976, more than 40% of Republican presidential candidates have dropped out before the balloting in Iowa and New Hampshire. Another batch of hopefuls typically drops out just after the first few states cast votes.
An early test could come in mid-July when quarterly fundraising reports are due. A more likely winnowing point is the first GOP debate on Aug. 23. To make the stage, candidates must meet standards set by the Republican National Committee, including having 40,000 individual donors, with a minimum number of donors required from at least 20 different states, and reaching 1% in three qualifying polls. The candidates must also agree to support the eventual nominee. Front-running Trump has signaled he could skip the debate.
Trump may have little choice, as his trial on charges of mishandling secret documents is scheduled to begin Aug. 14. That date is likely to change. But if, somehow, it doesn't, then the current front-runner may find he's…occupied. That would, possibly, give lower-rung challengers room to improve their standing. (RELATED: Pence Calls On GOP 2024 Contenders To Back Minimum 15-Week Abortion Ban)
Just don't count on it. Until proven otherwise, and most likely, that means with actual votes from primary and caucus voters, Trump remains the front-runner and favorite for the nomination. (RELATED: New Polls Suggest DeSantis Has Edge Over Post-Indictment Trump)
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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I choose these:
Haley
Christie
Pence
Gov from SD
None others are qualified but having to choose the 1st to leave : Haley, Christie, DeSantis (too full of himself), Pence who believes himself a Christian, then whoever is left. These people are really egotist – especially Haley and Pence and DeSantis just listened to the wrong people. Trump isn’t an egotist – he has already done what he said he would try to do the first time around. If he hadn’t been back-stabbed he would have done more, much more. That’s what Dems are afraid of.
ASA HUTCHINSON AND LIZ CHENEY NEEDS TO MIND HER OWN BUSINESS AND STOP PUSHING HER OPINIONS ON OTHERS!!!