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https://www.wsj.com/articles/of-course-trump-is-afraid-to-debate-presidential-election-2024-candidate-desantis-christie-biden-campaign-eadd6353

Of Course Trump Is Afraid to Debate

It isn’t 2016 anymore. He’s older and out of political shape, and his absence would hurt his rivals.

By Peggy Noonan

May 4, 2023 6:44 pm ET

Wonder Land: During the Obama years, Republicans were nicknamed 'the party of No.' Today the roles have reversed, with Democrats refusing to negotiate, preferring to smear the 'MAGA Republican' opposition as 'extreme.' Images: Zuma Press/AFP via Getty Images Composite: Mark Kelly

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump will be going on CNN next week, for a live Town Hall, for several reasons:

To mix it up, like the old days. To be the dramatic focus of attention in a potentially sparky environment, like the old days. To remind people of positive things they experienced during his administration. To go at Joe Biden. To show a contrast with Ron DeSantis, who avoids mainstream media—Mr. Trump has no fear of them. To attempt to stanch the bleeding among independents.