What Trump might not want you to know about his debate plan

The MoJo Daily newsletter, Monday through Friday. [View in browser]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter](     August 21, 2023 As you may have heard, Donald Trump is skipping the first Republican primary debate on Wednesday in favor of hanging out with Tucker Carlson. It's a petty move that can be interpreted in several ways. From one angle, rejecting the debate seems like a flex, a reminder for his GOP challengers that he, as the frontrunner, doesn't need an opportunity to make his case to Republican voters. Counterprogramming the debates with a recently fired, [livestreaming MAGA hero]( is precisely the kind of establishment spurning Trump supporters relish. But after the [Washington Post reported]( over the weekend that Trump's interview will be prerecorded, I have to chuckle. The man is so lazy! I can't think of a more low-energy move than slapping a prerecorded video that's all but sure to be filled with the same talking points we've heard for years, instead of appearing on a debate stage with your rivals. Then again, maybe Trump, who has until Friday to [surrender to his latest indictment](, has more serious issues to consider this week. Oh yes, speaking of Trump's efforts to overturn the election, a growing number of conservative legal scholars believe that Trump's insurrection baggage should be enough to [bar him from seeking the presidency](. Of course, [poll after poll]( has shown that Republican voters feel very differently. —Inae Oh Advertisement [House Subscription Ad]( [Top Story] [Top Story]( [A Growing Chorus of Conservative Legal Scholars Say Trump Should Be Barred From Presidency]( The argument isn't just coming from the left. BY RUTH MURAI SPONSORED CONTENT FROM COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO   A trusted source for Colorado news Air quality, politics, guides and urgent information — Colorado Public Radio has everything you need to know for a great day in Colorado. [Subscribe to The Lookout](, a free daily newsletter, to get trustworthy, actionable and delightful news from Colorado’s largest nonprofit news organization. Every morning, start your day with a little greater understanding of the place you call home. [Subscribe now](. [Trending] [Project Veritas founder is under investigation, and the organization is in shambles]( BY ABIGAIL WEINBERG   [When environmental dreams turn into corporate buzzwords]( BY JOSEPH WINTERS   [What to read, watch, and listen to when a cultural icon breaks your heart]( BY RUTH MURAI AND MADDIE OATMAN   [Javier Milei says he's the future of Argentina. He looks a lot like its past.]( BY EAMON WHALEN Advertisement [House Sustainer Ad]( [Special Feature] [Special Feature]( [How heat-shattering ocean temperatures impact fisheries]( “Fish species in particular are great canaries in our collective coal mine.” BY MAX GRAHAM [Fiercely Independent] Support from readers allows Mother Jones to do journalism that doesn't just follow the pack. [Donate]( Did you enjoy this newsletter? Help us out by [forwarding]( it to a friend or sharing it on [Facebook]( and [Twitter](. [Mother Jones]( [Donate]( [Donate Monthly]( [Subscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755