Posted on 12/06/2011 9:06:18 PM PST by Steelfish
GOP Candidates to Trump Debate: You’re Fired Planned debate strikes some as a publicity stunt for the moderator. By Walt Cronkite Updated: December 6, 2011 Donald Trump may have mastered the art of the real-estate deal, but when it comes to debates, he’s still an apprentice. From National Journal:
The celebrity businessman is having difficulty securing commitments from Republican presidential candidates for a Dec. 27 debate that he’s planning to moderate in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mitt Romney became the latest big-name candidate to send his regrets, telling Fox News’ Neil Cavuto that he informed Trump earlier on Tuesday that he would be too busy to appear. Romney noted that he already is planning to participate in two previously scheduled debates in Iowa this month.
"I understand why Governor Romney decided not to do it," Trump told ABC News. He declined to elaborate further.
Other candidates who have declined: Rep. Ron Paul and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. In an interview on Monday with CNBC’s Larry Kudlow, Huntsman dismissed the Trump debate as a publicity stunt. Running for president "isn't about ratings for Donald Trump; this is about jobs for the American people," Huntsman told Kudlow. Newly minted front-runner Newt Gingrich has announced he will attend the Trump debate, as has former Sen. Rick Santorum.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., remain uncommitted, but on the CBS Early Show on Tuesday Bachmann told Erica Hill and Chris Wragge that she is concerned about Trump's objectivity, because "he said he's already leaning towards a candidate.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationaljournal.com ...
I wonder about that. Huntsman was Nobama’s ambassador to China. Think about it.
I liked Santorum’s answer. How is Trump moderating any worse than ANYONE from the MSM?
Amazing all the nasty things said about trump here a few months back, now a whole bunch of people are attempting to collective kiss his rump.
Gingrich and Santorum are attending.
Paul, Huntsman and Romney aren’t wanted anyway.
If the others take a GOP-E pass, it’s their loss.
Gingrich and Santorum are attending.
Paul, Huntsman and Romney aren’t wanted anyway.
If the others take a GOP-E pass, it’s their loss.
First off, Huntsman has declined a few debates already and no one cared. He is a loser. Secondly, how is this a debasement. In my mind going in front of the Marxists and Communists at MSNBC and CNN is a debasement.
Why in the world should Trump be considered beneath the likes of that limp wristed pansy with no ratings at CNN?
So Obama’s Ambassador to China refuses a Trump question.....
Grow up!
Cowards.
This is the state of the GOP.
YOU have got to be kidding. Trump is not a fool. This is a forum that will not be the usual Marxist firing squad. No one could possibly care who Trump endorses except for Trump. We all know he has shown interest in Romney, including the candidates, but he has remained gracious to all the candidates.
If the candidates would prefer going back to the firing squad venue then they are neither intellegent enough for the big desk, nor interested in informing the voters, particularly the base who are faithfully following the primary. Take names.
Bachmann for numero uno.
The major problem with this debate is that it is at the whim and ego of Trump.
It’s always about the Donald.
I really have nothing against Mr Trump, except when he wants to get involved in national politics. To me, Trump, the Enquirer, Hefner from play boy and others like that, are NOT the kind of people I want conducting these important debates. It demeans the process.
By the way, going to their shows INDIVIDUALLY, is one thing... but letting them get so directly involved with the DEBATES, is another thing. My opinion.
I will look forward to the Trump debate. It will be much better than the liberal press debates previously. Hope he asks questions about school records and passports. Glad those three losers aren’t participating.
And Speaking of Donald, why does everyone thing he is so great? How do you lose money on a Casino?
It is all about the questions. They can’t handle it. This isn’t going to be your MSM debate. The ones who bow out are off my list. If they cannot handle Donald Trump they sure as Hell cannot turn this Nation around.
Exactly. To Trump this is about putting him in the middle of presidential politics and advancing his “name” brand. Screw him. Trump called Bush “evil” and earlier on applauded Obama as a “consensus builder.” There comes a point when principle matters. I am sad to hear that Santorum did not stand his ground and turn down the invitation.
I agree.
We have seen this ploy before.
So the RINOs are bailing? This is bad how?
If they can’t handle a clown like Trump, how will they handle the job of President where they have to deal with clowns all over the world?
I'd include taking revenue from the Afghans poppy fields to help pay for our liberating their country as well. Of course we won't.
Otherwise, as I stated on another thread, it's going to be the Trump Show.
Lets see in the next coming days who decides to back out.
Eason Jordan is a BIG reason to consider not attending.
Trump should be able to sell some books when this debate airs.
He'll plug his book and show like he plugs his scalp.
Not what I've seen. Most of the people, including myself, who thought Trump was a clown then continue to think he is a clown now.
Going to a debate moderated by a giant ego who hosts a realityTV program, and who is actively discussing making it easier for Obama to secure a 2nd term by running 3rd party, is utterly stupid. Much as I don't like Paul, Huntsman or Romney (my 3 least favorite candidates), they are entirely correct in avoiding this silly debate.
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