Trump Skips Second GOP Debate, Dismissing “Donald Duck” Nickname

Former President Donald Trump made a notable absence from the second GOP debate in Simi Valley, California, on Wednesday night, choosing instead to address a crowd of autoworkers in Clinton Township, Michigan. Trump’s decision to prioritize autoworkers over the debate drew strong criticism from his primary opponents, who argued that he should have been on the debate stage to defend his administration’s record.

Trump’s absence did not go unnoticed during the debate, with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie taking a jab at him, suggesting a new nickname: “Donald Duck.” Christie accused Trump of “ducking” the debates and warned that if he continued to do so, he might be permanently referred to as “Donald Duck.” In response, Trump, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, dismissed the nickname, stating that anyone who would come up with such a nickname shouldn’t be running for president.

In his interview, Trump defended his decision to focus on autoworkers, citing his significant lead in the primary polls. The most recent Fox News poll indicated that 60% of Republican primary voters support Trump for the GOP nomination, up from 53% in the previous survey conducted in August. Trump’s lead is substantial, with the only other candidates receiving double-digit support being Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 13% and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 11%.

During his speech in Michigan, Trump emphasized the importance of preserving autoworker jobs and keeping the future of the automobile industry “Made in America.” He criticized the Biden Administration’s plans to transition to all-electric vehicles, asserting that this move would jeopardize autoworkers’ jobs.

Trump’s decision to focus on autoworkers in Michigan and dismiss the debate did not seem to dampen his spirits. He expressed confidence in the support he received from the crowd, describing it as “incredible” and “unreal.”

In addition to his strong performance in the primary polls, Trump also appears to have a lead over President Joe Biden in a head-to-head general election survey among voters. According to a new Washington Post/ABC poll, if the 2024 presidential election were held today, Trump would win by a margin of 52% to 42% over Biden. The same poll indicated that Biden’s approval rating currently stands at 37%, with 56% of respondents actively disapproving of his presidency.

As the GOP primary season continues, Trump’s decision to skip the second debate in favor of engaging with autoworkers has sparked both criticism and support within the Republican Party. With a substantial lead in the polls and strong backing from his base, Trump’s political influence remains a significant factor in the upcoming elections.