For FBN’s next GOP debate, to be held in North Charleston, S.C., on Jan. 14, it could be just the top six candidates making the cut. The remaining candidates would be in an earlier debate (assuming they have at least one percent in a national poll).
As it stands now, the candidates that would most certainly make the cut for the prime time debate would be Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Marco Rubio and Dr. Ben Carson. Gov. Chris Christie, Jeb Bush and Carly Fiorina would fight for the remaining slots.
To qualify for the main FBN debate, candidates must place in the top six nationally, or place in the top five in either Iowa or New Hampshire, all based on polls recognized by Fox News.
The most recent GOP debate on CNN had nine candidates. It was a Fox News poll that led CNN to acquiesce and allow Sen. Rand Paul in the main debate Dec. 15.
13.5 million tuned in for the first GOP debate on FBN in November, the most-watched program ever for the network.
Start times and moderators will be announced later.