◼ Reince Priebus on Trump debate: 'Malpractice' not to think there’s problems Politico
“We appreciate what Mr. Trump has done, but if you’re still talking about potentially running as an independent candidate, I think that’s a problem,” Priebus said on Fox News. “I think that would be malpractice for me as an RNC chairman to not believe that that is an issue.”
Although Priebus repeated a previously made assertion that it was simply up to the candidates to “do whatever they want to do,” the RNC head repeated that Trump’s continued flirtation with a potential 2012 bid for the White House concerned him.
“I think that having a successful businessman serving as a moderator has a lot of value. But the issue here is whether the moderator should still be a person who’s still batting around the idea of running as an independent. I think that should give some of these candidates some concern,” he said.
◼ Perry, too, takes a pass on the Trump debate
So far, Republicans Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, and Ron Paul have said they will not participate. Paul’s campaign said Trump’s participation will contribute to a “circus-like atmosphere,” while a Huntsman spokesman emailed Business Insider that “We look forward to watching Mitt and Newt suck-up to The Donald with a big bowl of popcorn.” Romney, like Perry, said he will focus on hitting the campaign trail. Perry has had weak performances in several past debates.
◼ Reince Priebus on the Trump debate. - Althouse
◼ Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump’s GOP debate, says Mitt Romney should participate - NY Daily News
Palin believes the criticism is unfounded, and that the debate will be a great platform for candidates to express their views.
"I think candidates should not be afraid in front of the nation no matter who the host of the debate is," Palin told the Fox Business Network on Wednesday night. "What is a bit appealing about this idea of Trump hosting a debate is, consider the diverse audience that perhaps he can attract...."
"America needs to wake up to what is going on under Obama's socialist policies and how he will bankrupt the country," she told Fox Business News. "I'm looking at the debate as a positive thing because of that fact."
◼ ACU Endorses Trump Debate, Says GOP Candidates Should Attend - Newsmax
“This will be a serious debate focused on serious issues," Cardenas added. "Conservatives across the nation will appreciate a debate hosted by a trusted conservative media outlet like Newsmax that includes a spirited conversation with the candidates, led by Donald Trump, a crowd favorite among CPAC attendees.”
◼ Tea Party Express Loves Trump Debate, Says GOP Candidates Must Attend - Newsmax
“Amy Kremer, Chairman of the Tea Party Express, said, ‘I hope all of the candidates will participate in this debate on the eve of the Iowa caucuses. Newsmax has been an indispensable part of the conservative media that keeps voters informed of the critical issues facing America. As the co-sponsor of the CNN/Tea Party Express Presidential Debate on September 12th in Tampa, Florida, we know the hard work that goes into a successful debate. We applaud Newsmax and Donald Trump for taking on this project for the sake of our country.’
“The debate is scheduled for Dec. 27 in Des Moines, Iowa. It will be available in 99 million homes throughout America on the ION Television network, and it also will be streamed on Newsmax.com.
“ ‘We are proud to join with Newsmax and other conservative organizations as a sponsor of this debate. Donald Trump has demonstrated his keen interest in restoring a responsible conservative to the White House, and his celebrity and commitment to conservative policies make him an ideal moderator for the debate.
◼ Trump Debate: Hannity Says, 'I'll Be There' - Newsmax
◼ Romney's Snub of Trump Debate Seals Fate in Florida - Newsmax
◼ Dick Morris: Romney Must Attend Trump Debate - Newsmax
Bachmann says "no."
