TUSCALOOSA, AL — Sirius XM podcast host Megyn Kelly is set to moderate the fourth Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday, alongside NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas and Washington Free Beacon editor-in-chief Eliana Johnson.
High-Stakes Showdown
Scheduled for December 6 at the University of Alabama’s Tuscaloosa campus and broadcast by NewsNation at 7 p.m. EST, the debate will feature Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, striving for the second-place spot in the primary race.
Vivek Ramaswamy barely met the RNC’s guidelines after a challenging performance at the third GOP debate, while former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is reportedly struggling to meet the polling threshold.
Front-runner Donald Trump, absent from all 2024 presidential debates, was expected to be a no-show. However, Kelly suggests there’s a slim chance he might make an appearance, keeping hope alive as the Secret Service checks out the venue.
Insights and Expectations
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Megyn Kelly shared her expectations for the upcoming debate. Reflecting on the previous debates, she noted that Trump is likely to remain the winner unless a candidate lands a knockout blow. DeSantis, currently not making significant moves, needs to capitalize on this opportunity to alter the trajectory of the race.
When asked about Trump’s potential absence, Kelly expressed a cautious hope, acknowledging that Trump’s current winning strategy involves not participating. However, she highlighted the importance of having a candidate who engages in debates, emphasizing the potential impact on the general election.
Relationship with Trump
Kelly, who had a public spat with Trump in 2015, discussed her current relationship with him. After interviewing him on “The Megyn Kelly Show” in September, she confirmed their feud is over. Despite not being his favorite reporter, their current rapport is stable.
Anticipation for Dec. 6
Expressing excitement about the debate, Kelly mentioned her desire for candidates like Chris Christie to attend, providing diverse perspectives on issues like foreign policy and TikTok. She emphasized the importance of genuine debates, hoping to step back as a moderator and let the candidates engage with each other.
Moderation Approach
Kelly revealed her plan to ensure a substantive debate by minimizing the number of questions asked, encouraging candidates to interact more. The moderation team aims to create an environment where candidates talk to each other rather than solely responding to moderators.
As the anticipation builds for the fourth GOP debate, viewers can expect a dynamic and engaging event, guided by a moderation team led by the experienced Megyn Kelly. The focus will be on fostering meaningful debates and allowing candidates the opportunity to directly address each other’s viewpoints.
