Primary debates

ABC and CNN eying future GOP primary debates

The moves come as the RNC is considering a rule to allow candidates to participate in unsanctioned debates.

By ALEX ISENSTADT

While the future of Republican presidential primary debates remains uncertain, two major TV networks have begun taking steps to potentially host future forums.

Both ABC News and CNN are exploring the possibility of sponsoring upcoming Republican presidential primary debates, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

ABC News is considering hosting a debate just ahead of New Hampshire’s Jan. 23 primary.

Network officials — including political director Rick Klein and senior executive producer Marc Burstein — are set to do a walk-through at New Hampshire’s St. Anselm College on Monday. They will be joined by officials from WMUR, ABC News’ local New Hampshire affiliate, and the New Hampshire Republican Party.

At the same time, CNN has begun reaching out to the presidential campaigns to inform them of their interest in hosting a debate, though it is not clear when or where such an event would take place.

Spokespersons for ABC News and CNN declined to comment.

While the Republican National Committee has hosted each of the party’s debates — three have taken place so far, with a fourth set to be held on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama — it is not clear if the party will play a role in any future debates. The RNC has yet to commit to hosting another such event, according to a person familiar with the deliberations. And the RNC’s debate committee is set to consider whether to release candidates from a pledge they have made to only participate in debates that have been sanctioned by the committee.

Should the RNC forgo hosting future debates, it would allow the networks to set criteria for qualifications and format, something the RNC has done for the first four debates.

ABC News and WMUR have a long history of holding debates at St. Anselm. During the 2016 Republican primary, the networks hosted a debate at the college where then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie famously attacked Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for being robotic.

Former President Donald Trump, the polling leader, has refused to participate in any of the debates that have taken place so far, and those close to him say he remains uninterested in participating in any future contests. Trump has repeatedly pressured RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to stop hosting debates, arguing that the party should focus on the coming general election. McDaniel, however, has pressed ahead.