Trump Debate
Jon Huntsman increased his name recognition 8000% by turning down the invitation to attend the Newmax ION TV presidential debate to be moderated by Donald Trump.
Huntsman, the former Utah governor and President Obama’s former ambassador to China, is now best known for saying he “won’t kiss his ring or any part of his anatomy,” about Trump while explaining why he won’t attend the debate.
Texas congressman Ron Paul joined Huntsman in turning down The Donald’s invitation, saying through a spokesman that a debate hosted by a reality TV star is beneath the dignity of the presidency.
Trump called Huntsman and Paul joke candidates.
All of the remaining GOP candidates for president have accepted the invitation, even though Trump has not ruled out running for president as an Independent himself. Trump said he’s leaning toward endorsing a GOP candidate and that he might do so shortly after the debate.
The Trump debate will take place in Des Moines Iowa on December 27, one week before the Iowa caucus and two weeks before the New Hampshire primary.
Millions will be tuning in to see who gets fired.
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Smart move by Huntsman and Paul not getting involved with this circus. I just moved them up a notch on my R-O-Meter!!! If they others were smart, they would also send their regrets. It’s not everyday of the week that I agree with Karl Rove but he and George Will make a very good case why this is very bad for the R candidates and party.
Recent poll of likely Iowa voters said that people were a lot less likely to vote for a candidate endorsed by Trump than would vote for a candidate that he endorsed.
As Art pointed out, Trump is not even committed to supporting the GOP nominee and is still talking about a possible third party run. And they are going to let that guy moderate a debate???
What happens if Trump brings up his insane conspiracy birther nonsense during the debate???? Are the candidates smart enought to tell him he is nuts???? Do they agree with him???? Do they say nothing????
My view is that Trump would basically be using them all for his own benefit. I don’t see how anything good could come out of this for any of the R candidates that participate however there are plenty of potential bad things that can happen.
All good points Bob, including Trump using the event for his benefit. His business benefit, not political. I don’t think he’s running. I think he’s working to make sure Obama doesn’t get reelected.
However, I disagree with your conclusion. I think if a specticle brings more people into the process, the benefit of increased participation outweighs the downside.
There’s a chance that the debate will have the highest ratings of the night, as more people tune into to see “The Presidential Apprentice” than tune into “The Biggest Loser,” “NCIS” or “Dancing with the Stars” reruns. All the TV news outlets will cover it.
It will be fun to watch Newt take on Trump like he has other moderators.
Art…Debate definitely will be well watched that is for sure. Will be interesting if Trump tries to inject himself into the debate trying to one up the candidates by offering his own opinions/answers to questions (that he will know in advance.)
Tone of questions will also be interesting. Does he agressivley go after Romney??? Does Romney agressivley answer/fight back, etc??
If Trump says something crazy than Newt and/or one of the others had better take him on. Worst case scenario for the candidates would be having Trump spouting some crazy stuff and nobody saying anything.