Here is everything we know so far about the first 2024 Republican Presidential Primary debate taking place on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
First Republican Presidential Primary Debate (Fox News)
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Full Video: Watch Here
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm ET (2 hours)
Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sponsor: Fox News
Moderators: Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum
Qualified Candidates:
- Ron DeSantis
- Vivek Ramaswamy
- Nikki Haley
- Tim Scott
- Chris Christie
- Doug Burgum
- Mike Pence
- Asa Hutchinson
*Donald Trump qualified but chose not to attend the first debate
Will every candidate participate?
Candidates are not obligated to participate in the debate. Former President Donald Trump has stated many times he may choose to skip the first debate.
How do candidates qualify for the debate?
- 1% or above in three national polls or two national polls and state poll
- Have at least 40,000 contributors nationally with at least 200 unique donors per state in 20+ states/territories
Is the RNC making candidates sign a pledge?
Yes, any candidate that attends the first debate in Milwaukee must sign a series of pledges, including a promise to support the eventual Republican nominee. Some candidates, including Christie and Hutchinson, have criticized the pledge or suggested they will not sign it. Former President Trump said recently he would not sign the pledge.
How long will the debate last?
The debate will last around two hours. It will begin at 8 pm CT in Milwaukee and wrap up by 10 pm CT. (9 pm ET – 11 pm ET)
Will candidates give opening statements?
Candidates will not be given a chance to deliver opening statements in the interest of time to reserve more opportunities for questions.
Will candidates give closing statements?
Candidates will be given 45 seconds at the end of the debate to make a closing statement.
How long will candidates talk?
When asked a question, candidates will have one minute to answer and then be provided 30 seconds for a follow-up question. More time may be allotted by moderators if a candidate is directly named or attacked by another candidate on stage.
Who will ask the questions?
The first debate is being moderators by Fox News anchors Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier as co-moderators, the pair will ask most of the questions. Some questions will come in the form of video or audience pre-taped by students submitted through the Young America’s Foundation, a debate partner that helps get college-age voters involved in the political process.
How many questions will be asked?
It depends on time but questions will be asked on a variety of topics including foreign policy such as Ukraine, and domestic issues such as abortion and the economy. With a large number of candidates on stage, moderators will move as quickly as possible to cover many topics and give candidates many chances to speak.