Francis Suarez has a new idea to add donors to his campaign. The Mayor of Miami needs 40,000 individual donors to qualify for the presidential debate; he has launched an interesting strategy involving Lionel Messi to achieve this. On the eve of the Argentine star's debut at Inter Miami CF, Suarez will raffle two front-row tickets among all those who contribute one dollar to the campaign.
The seven-time golden ball winner is expected to make his Inter Miami debut on July 21 against the Mexican team Cruz Azul. Due to the enormous expectation this generates among sports fans nationwide, Suarez launched the initiative, which has already surpassed one million views on Twitter.
"No one is more excited about Messi playing for Miami than me. I am delighted to give the people the chance to attend what will be a historic event in American Soccer. We have a few more promotions up our sleeves. My campaign is only a few weeks old, and we are doing very well," said the mayor.
I'm entering everyone who Venmo's @ Suarez2024 $1 for a chance to win FRONT ROW tickets to see Lionel Messi's debut at Inter Miami!#FXS24 pic.twitter.com/7K9ublMiJS
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) July 13, 2023
As reported by the Republican campaign, the new fundraising effort was viewed by 50,000 people in the first 30 minutes.
Suarez on Messi's arrival in MLS
The Republican makes no secret of his fanaticism for soccer, proudly displaying two jerseys framed in the background of his podcast, one of Lionel Messi and one of Sergio Ramos. When asked about the imminent arrival of the Argentine star at Inter Miami, he responded proudly with a "You're welcome, America."
In addition, he boasted about his arrival and affirmed that he made his decision in part because of the quality of life in the city. "[Now] We have Lionel Messi, who is the most coveted player in the world, arguably one of the biggest gets [...] and what it says about Miami, he could have chosen to make a lot more money in Saudi Arabia, maybe in Barcelona, but he picked Miami because we have the best quality of life," the mayor concluded in mid-June.
My Dad taught me that you get to choose your battles, and I am choosing the biggest one of my life.
I'm running for President.
Join me at https://t.co/Wf7fVZACkl and for just $1, help secure me a spot on the debate stage ➡️ https://t.co/MgO1RIl3jp#FXS24 pic.twitter.com/ZhKa0bQYll
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) June 15, 2023
Requirements to enter the RNC debate
For starters, candidates will have to commit to supporting the eventual Republican nominee, something Trump is not happy about. In addition, they must have donations from at least 40,000 domestic taxpayers. They must consistently obtain more than 1% in three national polls or two national polls and one state while having "at least 200 unique donors per state or territory in more than 20 states and/or territories." Finally, they may not participate in any external debates.
The deadline to comply with the requirements is August 21, just 48 hours before the debate. As to which polls will be valid, only those after June 1 will be counted. So far, only Trump, DeSantis, Scott, Haley and Christie have announced they are qualified, so Suarez is accelerating to earn the right to take the stage to climb in the polls.
Although he is determined to make it to the Oval Office, his name has been speculated to be running mate to the eventual Republican nominee. Kellyanne Conway spoke to POLITICO in May and told them, "I have had no qualms about telling President Trump that Suarez should be on the shortlist for vice president if Trump is the nominee."
