MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: North Dakota governor and Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum has suffered an injury that could potentially affect his appearance at Wednesday evening's Republican primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The 67-year-old suffered a high-grade tear of his Achilles tendon while playing a game of pick-up basketball with his staff on Tuesday, August 22, and now he will reportedly be on crutches.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Burgam has decided to attend the candidates’ walk-through of the debate event site and then will make up his mind if he will be physically able to participate in the debate itself.
"Burgum is focused on the debate, the Republican Party’s first of this primary season, and understands that as much as he’d like to participate, he would have to walk on stage and stand behind a podium for two hours", the source said.
"He is a total cowboy and isn’t phased by injuries and pain. His disposition is focused and tough. We’re going to see what happens at the walk-through and throughout the day," the source added.
Doug Burgum tweeted about the incident
"I’ve played lots of pick-up games in my day! This isn’t the first time one has sent me to the ER. Appreciate all the well-wishes!" Burgum tweeted by sharing a vintage photo of himself playing basketball.
Are presidential debates compulsory?
Although participation in presidential debates are not mandatory, it is considered to be a prudent move for candidates to interact, introduce themselves to, and appear in front of the American people.
Political candidates who are not doing well in polls can gain more attention on a big stage because of these debates.
It also serves as an opportunity to discuss and argue for or against topics and issues concerning the country's voters.
Both Republican and Democrat candidates leverage debate stages to define themselves, raise campaign funds, and express stances on political, economic and social issues.
They can certainly be influential for others even though debates may be inconsequential for some American voters.
When did Doug Burgum decide to run for president?
Burgum, who is currently serving his second term as North Dakota governor, announced in June his run for president in 2024, making his case for the Republican nomination in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
In December 2016, he was sworn in as North Dakota's 33rd governor and ran again for the seat in 2020, winning the race handily.
His campaign is primarily focused on the economy, energy and national security.
Who is slated to debate alongside Doug Burgum?
According to People Magazine, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson are slated to debate alongside Burgum on Wednesday.
Will Donald Trump participate in the event?
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has declared that he will not be a part of the debate on Wednesday.
He said in a post on his social media site Truth Social that he was leading in recent polls by "legendary" numbers and adding, "I will, therefore, not be doing the debates," he stated.
