Nikki Haley commits to CNN Iowa debate after Ron DeSantis attacks

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s campaign announced she has accepted the invitation to CNN’s GOP presidential debate in Des Moines on Jan. 10.

The criteria for the debate, just five days before the caucuses, will likely limit eligibility to Haley, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis’ campaign confirmed it will attend, but Trump is not likely to participate.

The debate will be held at Drake University. To participate in the debate, a candidate needs to receive at least 10 percent of support in three national and/or Iowa polls.

Haley initially did not commit to the debate, and her campaign said it was fielding multiple offers to debate. DeSantis’ campaign, though, said it had not received other offers and accused Haley of attempting to dodge what will likely be a one-on-one matchup.

Haley and DeSantis both have called on Trump to participate.

“The first four debates have been great for our campaign and for voters, and we look forward to the fifth in Iowa,” Haley said. “As the debate stage continues to shrink, it’s getting harder for Donald Trump to hide.”