In a surprising turn of events, CNN has decided to cancel its plans to hold a New Hampshire Republican debate on Sunday after former UN ambassador Nikki Haley demanded the presence of former President Donald Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was the sole candidate who had agreed to participate, leaving CNN with no choice but to make this decision.

Instead, the network will hold a town hall in New Hampshire with Nikki Haley on Thursday, moderated by Jake Tapper. The event is set to take place at 9 p.m. ET at New England College in Henniker, NH. Just recently, CNN organized a town hall with Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, but the prospects of a debate fell through as Trump continues to refuse participation in any debates this election cycle.

ABC News and WMUR-TV also scrapped their plans for a Thursday debate in New Hampshire, given that only Governor DeSantis had committed to being present.

Haley, on the other hand, is eager to focus on Trump in the final days leading up to the New Hampshire primary on January 23. Despite placing third behind DeSantis in the Iowa caucuses, Haley considers the race to be a "two-person race" and hopes for a victory or a close second in New Hampshire to potentially halt Trump's growing momentum in securing the GOP nomination.

A CNN spokesperson assured that they would remain open to other opportunities as the campaign season progresses through 2024, such as hosting candidate town halls.

The sudden shift in plans further emphasizes the significant influence and impact the involvement of high-profile figures, specifically the former President, can have on the primary campaign trail. The absence of Donald Trump from debates continues to reshape the dynamics of the Republican nomination race, leaving candidates like DeSantis and Haley to seek alternative platforms to connect with voters and make their case for becoming the party's standard-bearer in the coming years.