Posted on 01/28/2016 10:25:47 AM PST by smoothsailing
January 28, 2016
DES MOINES, Iowa - It's fair to say the Republican Party was stunned by Donald Trump's decision to boycott tonight's GOP presidential debate here in Des Moines. But because they were so surprised - never saw it coming - they realize they could be surprised again, and so are keeping the door open for Trump to change his mind and take part in the debate.
Even after a full day to think about it, and even after Trump announced the "special event" to honor America's veterans he will hold the same time as tonight's debate - 8:00 p.m. Central Time, Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University - even after all that, party officials still want to keep open the possibility Trump will reconsider.
We have to, they explained Thursday morning. Who could have predicted that Trump would pull out in the first place? And now, who can say definitively that he won't change course again?
Well, Donald Trump, for one. "Mr. Trump will not be participating in tonight's Fox News debate," Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told me by phone this morning. "He will be holding a rally to raise money for veterans who have been treated like third-class citizens."
Lewandowski told me the Trump campaign has received 4,000 RSVPs for tonight's event. The theater in which it will be held holds 776 people, so the campaign is working to set up giant screens for an overflow viewing area outside. (Forecast temperature: 28 degrees, fairly balmy for Des Moines these days.) In addition, Lewandowski said 360 members of the media have been credentialed to cover the event.
When I asked whether Lewandowski has had any communications with the Republican National Committee or with Fox News about participating in the debate tonight, he said, "I talk to people all the time, but my communications with them are the same as my communications with you: Mr. Trump will not be participating in tonight's Fox News debate."
But the door will be open.
If I lived nearby, I would be at that rally.
Me, too.
Just like in playing cards, I strive not to be trumped.
360 members of the media
Does a sitting president get that many?
Me too.
Somebody actually stands up for what he thinks. All this stupid “expert” and political punditry can take a flying leap as far as I’m concerned. It’s stuff like this that endear Trump to the average Joe who’s sick of the political and media establishment. This is why Trump will get elected.
Brilliant move by Trump. It looks to be an overflow crowd.
Brilliant move by Trump. It looks to be an overflow crowd.
I’d put the media outside where they could only hear and cameras would have nothing to show but the overflow crowd of people freezing their butts off, but who won’t show up to Caucasus. /s
48 hours notice and already 4000 attendees
This thread should be pinned to every other thread like the freepathon notices.
The GOPe and Fox News are partners.
1985: Donald Trump Donates $1 Million to NYC Vietnam Vets
Helping Vets is a long time tradition for Donald Trump.
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