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 don’t trust the Donald to shoot straight.”
...but it’s ok for the Enemydia, like Wolf “My face looks like a female body part” Blitzer, to frame the discussion and moderate our debates???
Why?
Donald says look at me!
During Christmas and everyone is to drop their schedules to accommodate his ego?
Wolf wasnt that bad.
He did get Cain rattled when Cain called him “Blitz”
At least he did not call him Slitz LoL
You need to ask the wife to shave the old tarantula. LOL
Back to the discussion, the COWARDS have bowed out. I look forward to it.
“Wolf wasnt that bad.”
He is the enemy and allowing Republican debates to be held on the enemy’s airwaves, moderated by their biased employees, gives credence to their BS assertions to the voting public that they are impartial!!
If your candidate refuses to be questioned by “The Donald” your candidate is BULLSHIT and not capable of the Presidency.
I understand your concerns, but he wasn’t that bad as moderators go.
I think if you look up the live thread on FR most folks agreed.
The Donald sucks.
When did he become the King maker?
Trump has very definite views on China, and I am sure that’s why Huntsman wussed out (as if anyone will notice). Romney’s decision is far less easily understood, as close as it is to the IA caucuses and the potential to attract an audience beyond the MSM.
God only knows how many debates/candidate fora there have been. So far IMO, only two have been worthwhile, DeMint’s and Huckabee’s. Even Fox’s was horrible. How could Trump’s be any worse? In some ways I think it will be better than most to date, and any candidate who bolts is foolish.
Anyone that thinks the Donald will do the candidates any favors is mistaken.
He will tie them to stuff like the BC issue.
He isn’t KING MAKER. He will ask a question. That seems to bother you.
I guess next time Republican candidates will be on bended knee “just answering the questions” of Oprah. It’s important that the process not be demeaned. At least the MSM are known as “journalists” albeit faux journalists.
The areas of US Decline in manufacturing will be front and center. The outsourcing of our intelligent products will be on the table.
The stupid attacks by MSM FR robots will be relentless.
I have heard his questions, and i think they will taint our candidates in a national forum.
I think Trump is for Trump, anything to stir a show on the View.
If I were Jon Huntsman, I wouldn’t be so picky. The guy is practically invisible, so I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a little exposure.
“The Donald is in it for himself.”
Perhaps, but I can’t help thinking that he will be far less biased, and not interested in damaging anybody, unlike Brian Williams, or Wolf Blitzer.
I do believe Mr. Trump is qualified to ask questions that pertain to the major capital interest of this nation. My detractors think it should be CNN. Good Grief.
I’m beyond that. He wants a reason to stay.
I agree, and I aint biting.
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