Posted on 07/22/2015 5:09:35 PM PDT by mandaladon
It appears to be sinking in with top Republicans that the upcoming GOP debate, featuring star performer Donald Trump, could prove to be a full-blown disaster. Politico has this amusing report:
Trump’s presence at center stage — his reward if he maintains his lead in the polls — is likely to transform the first Republican debate into a major media event, bringing big ratings to Fox News, the debate sponsor. By the same token, however, it will likely turn the traditionally policy-focused event into a pageant of personality, which is a potential nightmare for other candidates.
“I think you have to assume he’ll be loud and aggressive and do everything he can to stay on offense,” former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who gave the most commanding debate performances of the 2012 primary cycle, told POLITICO. “Trump is very smart, he has lots of TV experience and is absolutely uninhibited.”
Considered almost unthinkable just five weeks ago, Trump’s appearance at center stage is now the most inconvenient of truths for the would-be Republican front-runners. From Milwaukee to Miami, campaign aides are already wrestling with the Trump factor — strategizing on how to engage with him (if at all) and how to stave off his attacks.
The Hill adds this amusing tidbit:
Republican insiders are reconciling themselves to the idea that Donald Trump won’t be exiting the stage anytime soon — and their main concern now is limiting his damage to their party…it looks virtually certain that he will be included in the first major televised debate, hosted by Fox News on Aug. 6.
For all the handwringing among Republicans, I think it’s very possible that Trump-palooza might not actually end up mattering that much, if at all, over the long term
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
They all need to wear two jockstraps for added protection from Trump and Cruz.
RINOs are nervous. CONSERVATIVE candidates? Not so much! :)
Look for Lindsey Graham to break some dishes while a sad-faced John McCain looks on from the audience.
Low information voters could get quite an awakening.
That's not necessarily a bad thing.
“I suggest the RINOs wear diapers for the debate “
Well, that Depends.
Concern trolls everywhere are concerned.
Article today said Trump woks be in center of stage because he’s number 1 in poll
Bet that really frosts them
Free Huggies for the RINOs!!
Good. I hope they are cringing.
Aug 6 is soon?
Is this the RINO/GOPe debate with über GOPe Hugh Hewitt as moderator?
LOL!
Its not politics as usual. That’s why Trump is doing so well.
You wish, WaPo
Cringing means peeing yourself now?
Yeah!
I predict other candidates will refuse to take part in the debate if Donald Trump is participating.
Another establishment tactic to silence conservative voice.
I gotta see if I can buy some popcorn. Though I’ll have to catch it online afterwards, probably.
“I predict other candidates will refuse to take part in the debate if Donald Trump is participating.”
Then Trump can hand out copious amounts of Huggies & Depends.
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