Republicans to have 2 presidential debates in Cleveland on Aug. 6

Republican presidential candidates will face off in their first debate on Aug. 6 in Cleveland and organizers have added a second debate as the field continues to grow.

Fox News is hosting the debates. WHIO Radio AM 1290 and 95.7 FM will air the prime-time debate starting at 9 p.m.

The top 10 candidates will debate at Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team plays, and must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

  • They must meet all constitutional requirements;
  • must announce and register a formal campaign;
  • must file all required paperwork with the Federal Election Commission;
  • and must place in the top 10 in an average of the five most recent, recognized national polls leading up to Aug. 4.

The poll requirements have been controversial and if you look at some recent polls Ohio Gov. John Kasich has around 2-3 percent support, meaning he might not be eligible for the debate in his home state.

Fox says the debate will be moderated by Fox News' Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace.

Fox News' website also says the network is partnering with Facebook on the debate and Facebook users will be able to share video questions, some of which will be used for the debate.

The debate will be presented live from 9-11 p.m. on Fox News Channel.

"A Republican can't win the White House without carrying our state, so there's no better place to host the first primary debate," Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges told Fox News.

Henry Gomez of the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported today that Fox News will have a another debate in Cleveland early in the day for the candidates that don't qualify for the prime-time debate. Bill Hemmer and Martha MacCallum will moderate the early forum, set to air live from 1 to 3 p.m.

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