They say that, but they will watch every one of them.
The viewers' reaction in this year's Republican primaries has not been to refrain from watching, but to refrain from supporting those who have initiated the contention exchanges during the debates. Bachmann nosedived after she went after Perry on Gardasil.
And Gingrich and Cain surged by staying out of the contentiousness and being positive until other factors outside the debates began to drive down their support. Newt runs a big risk if he appears too angry and vengeful in these next two debates.