What you need to know about the Aug. 23 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee
The fight for the Republican presidential nomination officially begins and ends in Milwaukee.
The first debate of the cycle will be held Aug. 23 at Fiserv Forum with the party's presidential ticket confirmed nearly a year later at the Republican National Convention, July 15-18, 2024, in the same venue.
Here's what you need to know about the first debate.
Debate time
The debate will held from 8 to 10 p.m. local time.
Broadcaster and moderators
Fox News Channel will broadcast and Fox Business Network will simulcast the debate, which can also be streamed on foxnews.com. Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will co-moderate the event.
What's the format?
Candidates will not be allowed to give opening statements on stage but will have 45 seconds for closing remarks, according a copy of the format obtained by Semafor.
Those on stage will have one minute to answer a question and an additional 30 seconds for follow-ups.
Some of the questions will be submitted by students through pre-taped videos or audio recordings, Semafor said, through the Young America’s Foundation, which is partnering with the network to host the debate.
Qualifications candidates must meet to participate
Candidates must attract 40,000 individual donors. They also must meet a polling threshold, receiving at least 1% of support in three national polls or 1% of support in two national polls and two early-voting state polls.
Finally, those who wish to attend the Milwaukee debate must sign a series of pledges including a promise to support the eventual Republican nominee.
The candidates have to show proof they have met the criteria 48 hours prior to the debate.
Candidates will be placed on stage according to polling, with the highest polling candidate in the center.
What will Donald Trump do?
That's the question overshadowing the debate. The former president and current frontrunner has easily qualified to make the stage. But he hasn't committed to attending. And top Republicans have said he's likely to leave everyone guessing until the last moment.
Trump recently posted on Truth Social: "Let them debate so I can see who I MIGHT consider for Vice President!" And he conducted what amounted to a live poll during a recent appearance in Erie, Penn., asking the crowd if he should attend the debate and receiving a chorus of "no."
"We'll see what happens," he told the Erie audience. "I haven't made a decision one way or another."
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson acknowledged the tenor of debate day could be different depending on whether Trump attends.
He said the city is preparing as if the former president is going to take part in the debate, regardless of whether he ultimately does.
“I think you plan for the possibility of him being here,” Johnson said. “That way, you’re set for either eventuality.”
So, who is definitely attending?
The quick answer: Anyone who can get on the stage.
The debate is the first big opportunity this field has to reach a wide audience, with or without Trump. Back in 2015, the first GOP debate of that cycle drew 24 million viewers.
"I hope everybody who is eligible comes,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told Fox News. “I think it's an important part of the process, and I look forward to being able to be on the stage and introducing our candidacy and our vision and our leadership to a wide audience."
According to either the candidates or their campaigns, the qualifiers in addition to Trump include DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Vice President Mike Pence.
Who is still trying to qualify?
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Texas Rep. Will Hurd and radio host Larry Elder are still working to meet both polling and donation thresholds.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Aug. 7 announced he reached the 40,000 donor requirement. He said he was "confident" he would be on the debate stage.
Can the general public get tickets?
No. Tickets are being handled by the Republican National Committee and debate partners Fox News, Rumble and Young America's Foundation, as well as the participating candidates. The audience will likely include members of the Republican National Committee, grassroots activists, college students and elected officials.
Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee
