DeSantis Says He’ll Be at First GOP Presidential Primary Debate Regardless of Trump’s Plans

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will participate in the first Republican presidential primary debate next month, regardless of whether former President Donald Trump also takes the stage.
“I’ll be there regardless,” Mr. DeSantis said during an interview on Fox News on Thursday night. “I hope everybody who’s eligible comes. 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.”
The Florida governor faced a question about his debate plans after Mr. Trump, the consistent frontrunner in primary polls, has repeatedly indicated he may not attend the first debate, which Fox News is scheduled to host on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In a June 26 post on his Truth social media account, Mr. Trump suggested Fox News wants him to attend to draw ratings, but that he doesn’t see a need with his current polling lead….}