Candidates are required to sign a pledge introduced by the RNC in order to participate in the upcoming Republican primary debate.
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Content of the Pledge

The pledge states that candidates will support the Republican presidential nominee if they do not win the nomination, and they commit not to run as an independent or seek the nomination of any other party.
Signing Deadline

Candidates have until two days before the first debate to sign the pledge.
Confirmed Signatories

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy have reportedly signed the pledge.
Trump’s Refusal

Former President Donald Trump has refused to sign the pledge, questioning its necessity and expressing his disagreement with certain individuals listed on it.
Trump’s Disqualification

Trump’s refusal to sign would disqualify him from participating in the debate, although he has hinted that he may still attend.
Other Candidate Positions

Former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have not confirmed whether they have signed the pledge.
Reservations and Criticisms

Some candidates, like former Rep. Will Hurd and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, have expressed reservations or criticisms about the pledge but may still choose to sign it.
Historical Context

A similar pledge was circulated by the RNC in 2015, although signing it was not a requirement to participate in the debate.
Trump initially hesitated but eventually signed it.
Trump’s Disregard for the Pledge

After becoming the Republican nominee in 2015, Trump disregarded the pledge’s commitment to support the party’s nominee.
Point of Contention

The pledge has become a point of contention within the Republican field, highlighting the ongoing dynamics between candidates and their positions on Trump’s influence within the party.
Conclusion

As the debate approaches, candidates are facing the decision of whether or not to sign the pledge, reflecting a deeper divide within the Republican party.
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