Donald Trump may have mastered the art of the real-estate deal, but when it comes to debates, he’s still an apprentice. 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.

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.

Har.



  1. So what says:

    The only thing trump is a master of is baiting. He’s a master baiter. See what I did there?

    Yeah I know its a stupid joke. But then so is trump.

    Oh for pity sake somebody please stop me.

    • #10- bobbo, OCCUPY DVORAK: what if "we-all" number our own posts and post seriatim ourselves? says:

      Well, I don’t get it. If Trump were a Master at anything wouldn’t he have secured agreements before splooging all over himself in pubic?

      I hardly whack off at all-and never to political debates, but even I would have done that.

  2. Hmeyers says:

    Trump is a blowhard show. Participation means encouraging him.

    Trump is a loose cannon and not in good way.

    Although he is entertaining.

    But being involved with him is a act of self-debasement.

  3. Lou Minatti says:

    Trump is a Democrat.
    Trump inherited a pile of cash from his wealthy father.
    Trump managed to lose money operating a casino.
    Trump lost so much money on his casinos that he had to file bankruptcy.

    Just some facts for anyone who thinks Trump is a business guru.

    • jpfitz says:

      Trump was a Democrat.
      Trump is a Republican.
      Trump blows with the winds of bogative controversy.

  4. Hmeyers says:

    Trump is an expert at working the system. His companies did not “go bankrupt”, rather Trump used bankruptcy laws as part of his business strategy.

    You can make a handsome sum depleting your own enterprises and then walk away from paying the bills. Bankruptcy is a strong negotiating tactic and Trump has used it several times.

    • Dr Spearmint Fur says:

      “You can make a handsome sum depleting your own enterprises and then walk away from paying the bills.”

      Yup, that’s the American way.

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    • jpfitz says:

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  6. ggore says:

    This “debate” is nothing but an elaborate audience before the King, in order to receive his blessing on their candidacy afterwards. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding themselves.

  7. What? The Ends Justify the Means? says:

    Successful people are generally, but not always, cheaters. Their hunger for a pile larger than yours drives them to bend or break the rules.

    These people are always comparing what they have to what others have.

    Stay away from them.

    • LibertyLover says:

      “And the meek shall inherit the Earth.”

      • What? The Ends Justify the Means? says:

        “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

        If you consider that heaven is a place on earth, that is experienced by having a pleasant fulfilling life, the meaning of this quote has an interesting meaning.

        Or, if you are Christian, take that meaning.

        • LibertyLover says:

          I was quoting 2112 by Rush.

          • Cap'nKangaroo says:

            Will someone explain to me why Rush is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

        • LibertyLover says:

          However, both of those quotes (and many, many others) are quite good at keeping have-nots happy with their lot in life.

  8. msbpodcast says:

    Personalities like Trump always want to be talked about.

    They are aware that life goes on and nobody remembers them after they have walked off the stage.

    Being peripherally involved with the ongoing repubes debates would have been a way for his ego to still be massaged at no cost because the repubes would have been picking up the tab.

    I bet he would have loved to have the debate held in his casino. (Not in some podunk town like Des Moines.)

    What the hell? The election’s a crap-shoot anyway, right? (Strangely apropos. The only one that always wins in the long run is the house. That’s how the rules are set up. The owner always wins.)

  9. jpfitz says:

    This 2012 GOP debate season appeared to be a “reality” show.
    Trump and a newt proves it. Great shits and giggles.

  10. NewFormatSux says:

    He would be better than Scott Pelley or Anderson Cooper.
    Series of questions like Thin crust or deep dish? is not a serious debater. Wolf Blitzer, Brit Hume, Jim Lehrer should be running all debates, and the others should be forced to audition.

  11. Dallas says:

    When massive egos collide. Seeing Trump “question” Gingrich is worth the show. The asshole-o-meter will trip a circuit breaker.

  12. moss says:

    You lot do realize the “debate” is now down to 2 people. 3 if they let Gary Johnson in to talk about legalizing marijuana.

    Bachmann excused herself, today.

    Har.

  13. moss says:

    And today – the Donald hisself begged off:

    http://tinyurl.com/7okreos

    Double-har.


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