Ron Paul Campaign Rejects Trump Iowa Debate

[kuckfeynes]

I am so glad I didn't have any liquid in my mouth just now, because it would be all over my monitor.

Ditto that, still laughing...

Skating on thin ice, but pulled off beautifully.

Now stop and get back on message!

 

[Napolitanic Wars]

 

[WD-NY]

If it was an educational campaign, don't you think they would use the national stage to educate? Think about it. It was a calculated move.

The fact that Ron declined first (before Huntsman) and with such a soundly argued press release is what impresses me (and I suspect many within the MSM) most. This will be (already is) a HUGE WIN for Ron.

• demonstrates real gravitas/leadership/principle

• sends a clear message that Paul = TOUGH and isn't afraid of "loud barking" dogs like Trump and will stand up to those who undermine the seriousness of this election (this is huge, not so much for voters, but for press/professional journalists who are tired of 'celebrities talking heads/pundits' taking over their 'turf' and undermining the seriousness of their profession).

• when the other candidates drop out (and I suspect romney will first), Paul will garner even more respect for leading the charge against this ridiculous stunt/idea.

• Non-RINO republicans, Independents and Blue-Democrats all LOVE this move.

Best line of the press release by far:

“The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office’s history and dignity. Mr. Trump’s participation as moderator..."

William Wallace esque (re: sometimes you have to pump up the egos of others in order to win their favor)! Believe me, a lot of 'professional' journalist/reporter/news anchor types are loving this move by Paul right now. I know a lot of them they spin Ron negatively, but that doesn't mean they won't appreciate Paul saying what they all wish they could say (but aren't allowed to - unless they're a 'contributor/analyst') to Trump - which is that he completely undermines their profession (re: Trump) and delegitimizes the 'important' role journalists/news-anchors play in american politics.

Ron just did them a huge solid by standing up for their profession.

 

[Unknown.User]

I strongly believe Ron Paul was correct to decline participating in the Trump moderated debate. This was a poor decision on the part of those hosting the debate as it reflects very poorly on their judgement.

Nothing good could have came out of Dr. Paul's participation. Likely way it would have progressed:
1. Trump ignores Paul the first three quarters of the debate or more.
2. Trump says something (or multiple things) derogatory again Dr. Paul
**OPTION 1: Dr. Paul goes silent, letting Trump get the last word.
The voters would sympathize with Dr. Paul, but it would not make us look good. Votes are not won through sympathy.

**OPTION 2: Dr. Paul raises his voice and responds saying something not quite clear since he is angry.
Depending on the transparency of the exchange, this could help us. However from the recent Face the Nation interview we know that this is a risky game since what some voters view as a reasonable response will not be the same for all voters.

**OPTION 3: Dr. Paul manages remain collected and respond in a witty way.
Donald Trump will not let this happen, he will push with more and more ridiculous and offensive claims until Dr. Paul has to resort to Option 1 or Option 2. Donald Trump has no credibility at stake, he has everything to gain by dragging down Dr. Paul into awkward exchanges in order to make the next news cycle.

----------------
Honestly, I highly doubt anyone who thinks it is reasonable for Donald Trump to be a moderator for Presidential debates would support Ron Paul anyways. Every time the debate is mentioned announcers will add that it was not attended by Dr. Paul, Huntsman, etc... so we will still gain media mention.

 

[WD-NY]

Benton...don't go overboard. Just let him flop around like an idiot.

Agreed - why is Benton undercutting himself. Take the #win and leave the table!

 

[TheDrakeMan]

Fox just said Hunstman isn't showing up either.

 

[silentshout]

good for him! I have so much respect for this man. I hate the circus that our candidate-choosing process has become. It is disgusting and so fake.

 

[Steppenwolf6]

Love it!
It's time for the Trump to disappear from the scene and for the so called journalist ,like Greta Von Susteren,who still give him some relevance to follow him.
Plus ..the Trump connection has been the kiss of death for Perry,Bachmann,Romney

 

[kylejack]

Fox just said Hunstman isn't showing up either.

Huntsman was the first to opt out.

 

[Carson]

I was kind of thinking Donald Trump would cut Ron Paul some slack he hasn't been getting from the other globalist.

 

[Paul4Prez]

Declining to attend is a HUGE mistake. This will be the last debate before the caucuses. Ron Paul should attend, and stick it to Trump. "Mr. Trump, you called me unelectable, yet I'm among the front-runners here in Iowa. I'm the only candidate with a serious plan to address the nation's spending and debt crisis, and the only one calling for a balanced budget in my first term".... etc.

 

[kylejack]

Declining to attend is a HUGE mistake. This will be the last debate before the caucuses. Ron Paul should attend, and stick it to Trump. "Mr. Trump, you called me unelectable, yet I'm among the front-runners here in Iowa. I'm the only candidate with a serious plan to address the nation's spending and debt crisis, and the only one calling for a balanced budget in my first term".... etc.

It's on Ion Television. I can't ever remember watching something on Ion.

 

[JohnGalt23g]

It's on Ion Television. I can't ever remember watching something on Ion.

They're good for watching reruns of CBS shows.

 

[MrTudo]

Trump is a lowlife who has supported the same system that has bankrupted this country and murdered thousands of innocent people around the world. This is what Donald Trump has supported in his life. Fuck Donald Trump.
It's time to start calling it the way it is. If a president has gone against the Constitution, is he a traitor? If you answer yes, then what about the people who support that politician and vote for him?
When do we finally call it the way it is? Do they not call us names? When they call Dr Paul names aren't they in fact disrespecting all of us? Ok then let's take a closer look at THEM. What have THEY supported? What do THEY believe in? I say it again, Fuck Donald Trump. That lowlife traitor.

 

[opinionatedfool]

That does it, Perry won't have someone to ask for help now...

Haha! That's great!

 

[Eric21ND]

Cain has dropped out. Newt accepted to go.

How they will fit the enormous egos of Newt and Trump in one venue is beyond me.

 

[FSP-Rebel]

It's on Ion Television. I can't ever remember watching something on Ion.

Never heard of it.

And I have every channel and that one isn't even on the radar, esp on the average person's lineup.

 

[Eric21ND]

Campaign is correct. There's no reason to Kowtow to Trump.

 

[sofia]

i dont think the good heartland folks of iowa are impressed by a scumbag city slicker a-hole like trump anyway

 

[Chowder]

Declining to attend is a HUGE mistake. This will be the last debate before the caucuses. Ron Paul should attend, and stick it to Trump. "Mr. Trump, you called me unelectable, yet I'm among the front-runners here in Iowa. I'm the only candidate with a serious plan to address the nation's spending and debt crisis, and the only one calling for a balanced budget in my first term".... etc.

There is no way Trump will let Ron Paul stick it to him. He'll cut Ron's mic or just keep interrupting and then jump to the next candidate and not allow a rebuttal. Ron Paul did the right thing by not going to this.