Repub Trump WILL Skip Fox Debate for Own Town Hall, Updated# 19

[Mixin]

By Greg Richter | Sunday, 24 Jan 2016 10:55 PM

GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump might skip Thursday's debate on Fox News Channel and hold his own televised town hall at the same time if the network doesn't drop Megyn Kelly from its team of moderators, his campaign manager tells New York magazine's Gabriel Sherman.

Trump has been calling on Fox News to drop Kelly, who is scheduled to moderate with two other Fox anchors, Chris Wallace and Bret Baier. The trio moderated the first GOP debate of the season, in which Kelly and Trump sparred over a question about his treatment of women.
Trump objected to the question and criticized Kelly for it the next day. When he said she had "blood coming out of her wherever" he was accused again of attacking women, though he said he was meaning it was coming out of her ears.

Trump took up the feud again last week with a serious of tweets saying Fox shouldn't allow Kelly on the debate stage because she is biased against him. Fox responded that Kelly would not be removed from the team of moderators.

Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, told Sherman that Trump might not attend the debate if Fox doesn't relent.

"Let's see what happens," Lewandowski said. "It’s fair to say Mr. Trump is a significant ratings driver for these debates. If we aren’t on stage for some reason, they wouldn’t have the record 24 million viewers and would be back with 1-2 million people."

Trump might even hold his own town hall event at the same time as the debate and offer it to Fox's competitors, Lewandowski said.

"That would be a great idea," he told Sherman.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/trump-megyn-kelly-skip/2016/01/24/id/710694/#ixzz3yIqnahih

 

[Buick Electra]

I don't know if this is smart or dumb. Smart in that it would drop the FOX viewership way down. Dumb in that everyone in the debate could slam him w/o fear of repercussion right back at them in real time.

Think he's scared of something?

 

[Mixin]

He was on Wolf Blitzer today and he talked about this. I thought he acted a little strange about it; he wouldn't say one way or the other if he was not going to be there. All he'd say was: "We'll have to see."

I think he's been warned of possible trouble because he said no matter what, he's well prepared.

He doesn't need the debates; it would be great if he had his own town hall and spent the entire time talking about his stances on his issues.

 

[Willow]

Wow, spoiled child having a temper tantrum because someone asked him a question he didn't like. If that is all it takes for him to pick up his toys and go home, I wonder how he will handle a real crisis from Putin or ISIS...who don't follow him around waiting to kiss his hand. I think it would be great if he didn't show up. It will give the others more time to discuss their views and plans.

Willow

 

[fuzzy]

Go Trump Go! This guy is not afraid to fire back at his detractors! He knows how to hit them where it hurts - in the pocket book! Go Trump Go!

 

[Mixin]

Wow, spoiled child having a temper tantrum because someone asked him a question he didn't like. If that is all it takes for him to pick up his toys and go home, I wonder how he will handle a real crisis from Putin or ISIS...who don't follow him around waiting to kiss his hand. I think it would be great if he didn't show up. It will give the others more time to discuss their views and plans.

Willow

Ron Paul sat out the last one because he didn't like the tier he was in. Did you have a problem with that?

 

[Be Well]

I don't know if this is smart or dumb. Smart in that it would drop the FOX viewership way down. Dumb in that everyone in the debate could slam him w/o fear of repercussion right back at them in real time.

Think he's scared of something?

I have a feeling that if he skips the debate and does the live townhall, the viewers of the debate will be way down, and the viewers of his event will be huge.

 

[Shacknasty Shagrat]

Go Trump Go! This guy is not afraid to fire back at his detractors! He knows how to hit them where it hurts - in the pocket book! Go Trump Go!

Is Fox churning up a bunch of 'gotcha' questions like at the first debate? Have you stopped beating your wife? etc.
Such is negotiating with a tough negotiator.
I've done and watched being done, similar moves. Usually they worked well.
We are too used to Americans being docile and easily led to the slaughter.
A fighter like Trump frightens some people.
SS

 

[Willow]

Ron Paul sat out the last one because he didn't like the tier he was in. Did you have a problem with that?

Yes, I did have a problem with him doing that. I like Rand Paul but, again, I felt like he was acting like a spoiled child.

Sorry if this is a double post. I thought I sent the same reply a few minutes ago but I didn't see it come through.

Willow

 

[Millwright]

If he doesn't show, the rest of the field looks like GOPe weenies.

The other networks will be foaming at the mouth to get something...anything, to counter the debates for viewers.

At the end of the day, Trump wins.


Its the art of the deal.

 

[curlysue]

There have been plenty of debates. There is no need to try and shame candidates into all of the debates. Rand made the right decision for him.

 

[packyderms_wife]

If he skips then he looks week and like a coward... come on she's a simpleton... ignore the bitch!

 

[Mixin]

I don't think any of his followers would consider him weak or cowardly. He owes Fox nothing and they do nothing to help him. MG had the insane Glenn Beck on and Fox tweeted 6 or 8 of his comments. Then she had a Trump supporter on (I suppose to show how fair and well-balanced her program is) and they did 1 tweet.

He's often said that the debates don't give enough time to explain things well; I think it would be great if he did his own televised town hall. He would make it available to everyone and probably would garner even more votes.

Go Trump!

 

[gawarriorqueen]

Wow, spoiled child having a temper tantrum because someone asked him a question he didn't like. If that is all it takes for him to pick up his toys and go home, I wonder how he will handle a real crisis from Putin or ISIS...who don't follow him around waiting to kiss his hand. I think it would be great if he didn't show up. It will give the others more time to discuss their views and plans.

Willow

I don't think you understand the nuances of the situation. Do you sincerely believe that people would watch the FOX debate without Trump? A televised town hall meeting by Trump would outdraw them every time. FOX is all about the benjamins and may in deed reconsider Kelly's participation if it means no Trump.

 

[packyderms_wife]

I don't think any of his followers would consider him weak or cowardly. He owes Fox nothing and they do nothing to help him. MG had the insane Glenn Beck on and Fox tweeted 6 or 8 of his comments. Then she had a Trump supporter on (I suppose to show how fair and well-balanced her program is) and they did 1 tweet.

He's often said that the debates don't give enough time to explain things well; I think it would be great if he did his own televised town hall. He would make it available to everyone and probably would garner even more votes.

Go Trump!

I'm talking about the MSM, they will be prattling on and on that he's afraid to face off with Megan. And the mouth breathers will eat that sh*t up like it's gospel.

 

[Mixin]

Oh yeah, MSM will be all over it; as will the haters.

I'm thinking it's not really about her, that he's just throwing her in for good measure. Although, since the NRO was dumped for being biased, it will be a tough sell for MG to be kept on.

He was still non-committal on Morning Joe this morning but I thought he told Joe he could "probably" expect to see him there.

Bill Mitchell is tweeting a poll to see if Trump supporters want him to stay in the debate or do his own townhall. Out of 760 voters, it's running 70% for the townhall and 30% for the debate.

https://twitter.com/mitchellvii

 

[packyderms_wife]

Btt

 

[packyderms_wife]

It was just confirmed on the local news that he won't be participating in the debate.

 

[packyderms_wife]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-not-participate-in-fox-debate-campaign-says/


Trump will ‘definitely not’ participate in Fox debate, campaign says

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump says he will not attend a debate scheduled for Thursday night in Des Moines, an unexpected twist just days before voters here launch the election process.

"I probably won't be doing the debate. I'm going to have something else in Iowa," he said during a press conference in a high school workout room on Tuesday afternoon.

After the press conference, Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski confirmed to The Washington Post that Trump would "definitely not" participate in Thursday's Fox News debate.

“He’s definitely not participating in the Fox News debate," Lewandowski said. "His word is his bond."

He said Trump would remain in Iowa as planned and would instead host an event in the state to raise money for wounded warriors and other veterans groups.

Trump has made such threats before, but he said that the Fox News Channel, which is hosting the debate Thursday night, had gone too far by issuing press statements on Tuesday that he said kicked his concern about Megyn Kelly, one of the debate co-moderators.

"They're dealing with someone who's a little bit different. They can't you with me like they you with everybody else," he added.

When Trump saw the press release from Fox, "I said, 'Bye bye,'" he said.

Trump said his event on Thursday will benefit military veterans and service members wounded in war.

Although Trump said there had been too many Republican debates, Lewandowki said the decision applied only to the Fox News debate and that he would be open to participating in future debates.

Earlier Tuesday, Fox News Channel President Roger Ailes told The Post that "Megyn Kelly is an excellent journalist, and the entire network stands behind her. She will absolutely be on the debate stage on Thursday night."

Later, the network poked fun at Trump in a satirical statement: "We learned from a secret back channel that the Ayatollah and Putin both intend to treat Donald Trump unfairly when they meet with him if he becomes president. A nefarious source tells us that Trump has his own secret plan to replace the Cabinet with his Twitter followers to see if he should even go to those meetings."

Trump's feud with Kelly began during the first debate in August, when she questioned him about disparaging remarks he has made about women with her opening question.

Trump is scheduled to appear later Tuesday in Iowa City. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to travel to Lexington, S.C. for a rally before returning to Iowa for Thursday night's GOP debate in Des Moines

 

[Green Co.]

Edited thread title show Trump will skip debate.

 

[Mixin]

Current numbers for his poll:

39,118 votes•17 hours left

52% yes, he should go to the debate
48% no, he should not

 

[Green Co.]

Yeah Mixin, I worry that Trump will get too "high & mighty" and turn off some of his supporters.

I like most of his stances, but how he handles controversy figures into the mix also.

 

[Buick Electra]

I think this move will hurt him. Not Good!

 

[Mixin]

He said tonight that he had come to Iowa with the intention of joining the debate but then Fox got snarky with news releases.

Watching the comments in Youtube chat and other places, the only reason those supporters want him to do the debate is so he can wreck the other candidates. The others are saying F' em... he doesn't need Fox.

If he has a fund raiser for the vets, it could be a much more positive thing that the debate.

 

[Mixin]

Since I'm ready to trust his judgment as my president, I'm ok with his decision regarding a debate.

 

[curlysue]

I think this will shake the tree to see who is really supporting him.

 

[packyderms_wife]

I think this move will hurt him. Not Good!

Agreed, the media is already mocking him stating he's afraid of this MK person.

 

[Be Well]

He said tonight that he had come to Iowa with the intention of joining the debate but then Fox got snarky with news releases.

Watching the comments in Youtube chat and other places, the only reason those supporters want him to do the debate is so he can wreck the other candidates. The others are saying F' em... he doesn't need Fox.

If he has a fund raiser for the vets, it could be a much more positive thing that the debate.

Quoting from the thread about this on the main, I can see why he's not going:

Donald Trump joined Bret Baier tonight on Special Report to discuss his campaign and issues affecting Iowans.

In closing Baier told Trump he’s see him Thursday night at the debate.

Trump replied, “Let’s see… FOX is playing games.”
Bret Baier: I’ll see you Thursday night, right?

Donald Trump: We’ll be talking. Let’s see. I don’t, frankly, I don’t like the press releases FOX put out. It’s like they’re playing games.
UPDATE: Here is the snarky press release FOX put out earlier:
The Wrap reported:
“We learned from a secret back channel that the Ayatollah and Putin both intend to treat Donald Trump unfairly when they meet with him if he becomes president,” Fox News said in the statement, adding this gem: “A nefarious source tells us that Trump has his own secret plan to replace the Cabinet with his Twitter followers to see if he should even go to those meetings.”
Wow! They clowned him!

Trump didn’t appreciate the press release…
Pathetic attempt by @foxnews to try and build up ratings for the #GOPDebate. Without me they'd have no ratings! https://t.co/2bx54VKpQh

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2016

Fox shot themselves in the foot or maybe even a more vital area. Copying my comment responding to comments saying things like "How can he deal with people like Hitlery and Putin if he can't handle a debate?"

There is a gulf of difference between an "honest" adversary and the supposedly "fair and square" media whose real purpose is to manipulate, create opinion, destroy those it hates, and lie and cover for their buddies - all the while with a fake smile.

Totally different animals.

 

[JF&P]

Since I'm ready to trust his judgment as my president, I'm ok with his decision regarding a debate.

Me too

 

[Hansa44]

Since I'm ready to trust his judgment as my president, I'm ok with his decision regarding a debate.

me 3

I better make sure I have lots of popcorn!!..

I cannot even imagine him being at a loss for words when Fox tries to make him the bad guy

 

[gawarriorqueen]

Me also.

 

[Thunderbird]

I believe Trump is showing how he will handle himself as president. He will not put up with nonsense, crap thrown to obfuscate problems and goals. He has defined Fox as an impediment to his goal that can and will be dealt with means other than a headlong plunge directly into their guns. Hi Diddle Diddle right up the middle is not always the best choice.

 

[thompson]

I believe Trump is showing how he will handle himself as president. He will not put up with nonsense, crap thrown to obfuscate problems and goals. He has defined Fox as an impediment to his goal that can and will be dealt with means other than a headlong plunge directly into their guns. Hi Diddle Diddle right up the middle is not always the best choice.

I believe you are exactly right. Refreshing, isn't it?

 

[fuzzy]

IIRC, Trump is the only person that I can remember (over 70 YOA) that has dared to challenge the tyranny of the American Media. I wish him all the luck. Trump was a long time over due. Our TV medium is a successful leftist mind-control operation. This is one of the many times in my life that I wish that I wasn't a nobody and won't be around much longer, so I could do something to help him and America. Trump rates right up there with Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine. I'm too old, fat, sick, wore out after 25 years of LE, 6 years in the army (1961 to 1967) and poor to help him significantly, but I wish some of you would help him. All I can do is pray for him and pray for our America. We all can do that.

 

[Be Well]

IIRC, Trump is the only person that I can remember (over 70 YOA) that has dared to challenge the tyranny of the American Media. I wish him all the luck. Trump was a long time over due. Our TV medium is a successful leftist mind-control operation. This is one of the many times in my life that I wish that I wasn't a nobody and won't be around much longer, so I could do something to help him and America. Trump rates right up there with Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine. I'm too old, fat, sick, wore out after 25 years of LE, 6 years in the army (1961 to 1967) and poor to help him significantly, but I wish some of you would help him. All I can do is pray for him and pray for our America. We all can do that.

Absolutely.

 

[gawarriorqueen]

Trump made the correct move as this was organized to be a giant hit on him. I can't recall the exact details, but FOX has invited three uber-liberals to be guest questioners. One of these invitees is a rabid muslim. Murdock hates Trump and would love to engineer his downfall.

 

[imaginative]

"Let's see what happens," Lewandowski said. "It’s fair to say Mr. Trump is a significant ratings driver for these debates. If we aren’t on stage for some reason, they wouldn’t have the record 24 million viewers and would be back with 1-2 million people."

Trump might even hold his own town hall event at the same time as the debate and offer it to Fox's competitors, Lewandowski said.

"That would be a great idea," he told Sherman.

Trump just trumped Fox News...revenues and ratings will plummet....real candidates are following Trump


BREAKING: TWO GOP CANDIDATES Call Trump – Want to Attend Veterans Event

Jim Hoft Jan 28th, 2016 8:06 am Leave a Comment

The rumors are swirling…
Two Republican candidates reportedly called Donald Trump and said they wanted to attend his veterans fundraiser tonight at Drake University.

Wow, two candidates called last night and said they want to go to my event tonight at Drake University.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2016

FOX News is holding a debate at the same time.
Trump obviously feels bad that their advertising rates are dropping after he announced he would not be attending the Iowa debate.

The "debate" tonight will be a total disaster – low ratings with advertisers and advertising rates dropping like a rock. I hate to see this.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2016

CNN announced Wednesday they will host Trump’s counter-programming to the FOX debate.
Ouch.

CNN says they'll be running Trump's counter-programming event for Wounded Warriors. Now we'll have to watch that. https://t.co/1BbCcSKD9u

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 27, 2016

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/breaking-two-gop-candidates-call-trump-to-attend-veterans-event/

 

[imaginative]

What if Fox hosted a "debate" and no one came?

Trump doing an "end-around" biased moderators could really expose the irrelevancy of the establishment. What if Cruz/Carson/Rubio show up @ Trumps 'Wounded Warrior" (genius title and event) event?

Trump debate withdrawal is backfiring big-time on Fox News

Donald Trump’s criticisms of Megyn Kelly have been weak, sexist, thin-skinned. His decision to back out of Thursday night’s debate is childish and reflects a fear of having to debate his competitors on issues facing the country.

All that said, this dispute is turning into a spectacle with two losers. Fox News unwisely sent out a statement yesterday designed to mock the Republican front-runner for his decision to launch a Twitter poll on whether he should participate in the debate. Here’s what that statement said:

We learned from a secret back channel that the Ayatollah and Putin both intend to treat Donald Trump unfairly when they meet with him if he becomes president — a nefarious source tells us that Trump has his own secret plan to replace the Cabinet with his Twitter followers to see if he should even go to those meetings.

On CNN’s “New Day” this morning, co-host Alisyn Camerota, who formerly worked at Fox News, espied certain fingerprints on that statement: “God, this is such typical Roger Ailes playbook. I worked for him for many years; I recognize this.”

Other pundits recognize it as well — and they’re using it to aver that Trump has some firm footing in bailing on Fox News. Firm footing that he’d never have otherwise.

Example: On SiriusXM’s “Breitbart News Daily,” host Stephen K. Bannon welcomed Eric Trump, son of the candidate/real estate mogul, to tee off on the Fox News release. Bannon set up the younger Trump with these words: “To have a network, a news network, send out a press release that takes our two mortal enemies — the Persians and the Ayatollah and [Vladimir] Putin and the Russians — and makes it, like, some mockery thing … Would Bill Paley do that at CBS back in the old days? Would the heads of NBC do that in the old days? Would ABC News do that in the old days? Has anybody in the history … of media ever sent out a press release to a presidential candidate that’s leading … and they would mock him as commander in chief? Who does that?”

Though it’s a radio interview, you can almost hear Eric Trump nodding in agreement. He responded: “It gives the American people, actually, I think, the first look into politics. It’s something I had never seen before until I got a back-row seat to this whole crazy race. But it shows that there are a couple of people up at the top who try to control politics a lot more, right? I mean, this should be the decision of the American people, this should be the decision of them, not the decision of some network which wants to influence which candidate will ultimately be the head of the GOP. And that’s really what’s happening and it’s really kind of disingenuous. Politics have really been turned on their face, right?”

Right, Eric Trump — especially the politics of Fox News.

For years and years, others have articulated this same critique of Fox News. Commentator Frank Rich, for one, ripped the network as a “right-wing propaganda machine.” Former Obama White House communications director Anita Dunn said on CNN in 2009 that “Fox News often operates almost as either the research arm or the communications arm of the Republican Party.” Former New York Times executive editor Bill Keller called Fox News the “cultural home of the Republican Party and a nonstop Obama roast.” Media Matters has much, much more on the topic.

What’s new is that these arguments are now being articulated by Eric Trump, the son of the Republican presidential front-runner. It’s a problem that no statement from Fox News, no matter how clever, can resolve.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blog...ithdrawal-is-backfiring-big-time-on-fox-news/

 

[imaginative]

Ted Cruz Super PACs Offer $1.5 Million for Veterans if Donald Trump Will Debate Him One-on-One In Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — A pair of pro-Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) Super PACs just offered $1.5 million for veterans if Donald Trump will debate Cruz one-on-one in Iowa before Sunday evening.

Keep The Promise I and Keep The Promise II offered up the sizable donation for America’s veterans on Wednesday evening.

The principal donors of Keep the Promise I, the Mercer family, and Keep the Promise II, the Neugebauer family, in a joint statement released Wednesday evening said:

Senator Cruz and Mr. Trump both respect the veterans and hold them in the highest regard but Senator Cruz respects the process and we are calling on Mr. Trump to do the same and debates are the purest form of democracy. Iowans – and Americans – deserve to hear from the frontrunners in this ‘two-man race’ one last time. Not only would this be a heck of a debate, but it would also be a terrific opportunity to generate millions of dollars for the veterans.

The press release made clear the parameters of the pro-Cruz Super PACs’ offer: The debate must be between just Trump and Cruz, must take place on or before Sunday Jan. 31 in Iowa, must be one-hour long, and the candidates can pick a jointly-agreed-to moderator themselves.

The two organizations said in a press release:

In response to Senator Ted Cruz’s challenge of a one-on-one debate, the principal donors of the Keep the Promise I and II super PACs are offering presidential candidate Donald Trump a truly fantastic deal, pledging to donate $1.5 million to charities committed to helping veterans if Mr. Trump agrees to debate Senator Cruz in Iowa. This money is in addition to the millions of proceeds available to the veterans as a share of the revenues that this debate could secure from a host network.

It’s unclear at this time whether Trump would move forward with this offer. But at a rally in Des Moines here on Wednesday evening, Cruz announced he has a venue and time and place already set for it.

“We have a venue, we have a time — all we’re missing is a candidate,” Cruz said.

According to the Texas Tribune, the date and time Cruz has reserved is 8 p.m. on Saturday at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, Iowa.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-govern...ald-trump-will-debate-him-one-on-one-in-iowa/

 

[packyderms_wife]

Trump just trumped Fox News...revenues and ratings will plummet....real candidates are following Trump


BREAKING: TWO GOP CANDIDATES Call Trump – Want to Attend Veterans Event

Jim Hoft Jan 28th, 2016 8:06 am Leave a Comment

The rumors are swirling…
Two Republican candidates reportedly called Donald Trump and said they wanted to attend his veterans fundraiser tonight at Drake University.

Wow, two candidates called last night and said they want to go to my event tonight at Drake University.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2016

FOX News is holding a debate at the same time.
Trump obviously feels bad that their advertising rates are dropping after he announced he would not be attending the Iowa debate.

The "debate" tonight will be a total disaster – low ratings with advertisers and advertising rates dropping like a rock. I hate to see this.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2016

CNN announced Wednesday they will host Trump’s counter-programming to the FOX debate.
Ouch.

CNN says they'll be running Trump's counter-programming event for Wounded Warriors. Now we'll have to watch that. https://t.co/1BbCcSKD9u

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 27, 2016

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/breaking-two-gop-candidates-call-trump-to-attend-veterans-event/

I think he should have them come on over, this could be just what Fox needs to be put back in their place!