Republican primary campaign

2023-06-28 16:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Former President Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump is campaigning to return to the White House, vowing to defeat President Joe Biden this time after losing the 2020 election. But first Mr. Trump will have to defeat a growing number of Republicans are also vying to secure the party's nomination as its presidential nominee. Voice of America correspondent Steve Herman says the large number of competitors is in Mr. Trump's favor, as most of them are reluctant to criticize the former president.

Polls of likely Republican voters show Donald Trump with a wide lead over other declared challengers in the primary, including the two most prominent: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Mr. Trump remains defiant despite becoming the first former president to face federal criminal charges.

Political strategist and veteran of five Republican presidential campaigns, Stuart Stevens is not surprised by the former president's strong lead.

"This is Trump's party. And I see no reason to believe that the legal issues he has are going to change that. In many ways, they simply strengthen Mr. Trump. He has succeeded in portraying himself as a victim".

The latest contender in the Republican field is former Texas lawmaker Will Hurd.

"...If we elect a failed, selfish politician like Donald Trump, who lost the House, the Senate and the White House, we all know Joe Biden will win again."

Few of the other Republicans running are as outspoken critics of Mr. Trump. The former governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, is an exception.

"Donald Trump made us weaker, dividing us even more."

With the exception of Mr. Pence, many in the race are likely running as potential vice-presidential candidates, or are using this primary season as a springboard for 2028.

Like Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, they target President Biden and the Democrats — not Donald Trump.

"Under this administration, America is beginning to doubt itself again."

Whatever their motivation, there is a calculated reason for most candidates' cautious approach to former President Trump.

"If you position yourself against Joe Biden, that's a good thing in the Republican primary." But history has shown that when you attack Donald Trump, he attacks you very hard. Maybe Chris Christie is an exception - but I don't think the rest of them are looking to fight Donald Trump."

For voters, their first chance to gauge many of the presidential contenders will come when the candidates face off head-to-head on Aug. 23 — the day the Republican Party has scheduled its first debate of the primary season. ./ VOA