Presidential candidates to donors: Help us make the debate stage

The super PAC supporting former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended its first TV ad with an unusual plea to viewers.

Instead of a more typical request for support, Tell It Like it Is PAC ended its spot with white text that flashed on the screen: “Donate today, get Chris Christie on the debate stage.”

For GOP presidential candidates like Christie who are struggling to break through in national polls, a spot on the debate stage is a critical way to amplify their message and reach more voters. But candidates have to meet a handful of criteria, from pledging to support the party's nominee and not participate in unsanctioned debates to polling and donor thresholds.

Candidates need at least 40,000 unique donors, including 200 unique donors from at least 20 states and territories — helping to explain why Christie's super PAC is using its big money to direct people to give smaller donations to Christie.

And the former New Jersey governor's allies aren’t the only ones highlighting this debate requirement in recent campaign ads. Other candidates have called out the debate criteria in digital ads — a common fundraising tool — to appeal to more donors. 

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s campaign recently launched a Facebook ad linking to his fundraising page, with a message that mentioned the two frontrunners: former President Doanld Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

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“Trump and DeSantis are bickering and Americans are still in crisis,” the message read. “I am running for President to save this country from people like that and actually lead. Can you chip in today to help me get on the debate stage?”

For Subscribers

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAbdul El-Sayed tries to woo MAHA voters as Democrats seek inroads with RFK’s supporters

FOR SUBSCRIBERSGOP super PAC increases its spending for Sen. Jon Husted in tough Ohio race

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKratom-like substances are popping up in a typically benign supplement

FOR SUBSCRIBERSRecords reveal tumultuous marriage between slain New York Times executive and wife

FOR SUBSCRIBERSFrom clean energy warrior to ‘wall of shame,’ James Talarico reverses on a fossil fuel money pledge

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCongressional staff planned official trip with luxury stops in Italy and France weeks before election

FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane

FOR SUBSCRIBERSOpenAI CEO Sam Altman to skip congressional hearing on rogue AI agents

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKey DOJ lawyers departed Trump ‘grand conspiracy’ probe amid pressure to produce, source says

FOR SUBSCRIBERSTrump’s new AI chatbot often links to a site launched under Clinton 26 years ago

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAt MAHA summit, industry CEOs the movement once vilified take the stage

FOR SUBSCRIBERSThis Paralympian has two goals: Win medals and give away $500,000 to her teammates

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCornell rape allegation spotlights stringent New York state laws that have long drawn criticism

FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts

FOR SUBSCRIBERSDecades-old march dispute reignites in Northern Ireland, threatening political crisis

Hutchinson’s campaign also launched search ads on Google, imploring supporters to help him get on the debate stage with the message, “Even $1 helps.”

Businessman Perry Johnson mentioned the RNC donor requirement in one of his campaign’s recent Facebook ads, offering a copy of his book — currently retailing for $10 in paperback — to anyone who donated $1. 

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who is independently wealthy but is not well known, also referenced the donor threshold in a new Facebook ad.

“We need 40,000 donors to get Doug on the debate stage," the ad reads. "Will you join our campaign for a better, stronger America?”