Future of CNN Iowa GOP debate in question as Nikki Haley refuses to commit, DeSantis is only confirmed participant

"Since the RNC pulled out of the debates, many new offers have come in. We look forward to debating in Iowa and continuing to show voters why Nikki is the best candidate to retire Joe Biden and save our country. That debate should include Donald Trump," said Haley spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is the only GOP candidate who has committed to appearing at the debate, whereas former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy likely will not be able to qualify under criteria put forth by CNN in the first place, reports Fox News.

Haley's refusal to commit comes after she was attacked more than once in the last Republican debate, with snipes coming from both Ramaswamy and DeSantis during the night.

Haley told KTIV just last week that former President Donald Trump ought to be appearing at the Republican debates.

“When it comes to President Trump as well, I think he's going to have to get on a debate stage here in Iowa because you're fighting for Iowans' votes. I think he's got to sit there and do the groundwork,” Haley explained. “You can’t have an election and not appear on a debate stage in front of the people who are going to be voting for you.”

DeSantis' campaign went after Haley for her potential voluntary absence. Campaign spokesman Bryan Griffin said “Ron DeSantis has accepted every major debate and won each of them” and that he “caused Nikki Haley to shrink into the backdrop” after they clashed in Tuscaloosa last week, according to RealClearPolitics.

Griffin also said of Haley's absence: “After that loss, it is no wonder why Haley has failed to confirm she will join Ron DeSantis on the debate stage in Iowa and New Hampshire next month.”