“If Trump does not point it out in prime time, unedited, most Americans will not hear about it.”
He can say whatever he wants during his 2 minutes, without interruption. He does not have to answer their questions.
He can also say whatever he wants during the “open discussion” portion. He can say whatever he wants in the closing and opening statements too.
NO WAY Trump passes on that opportunity to speak to 60 million voters.
Yes, I think the debate commission set themselves up. So long as the moderator shuts up when it’s Trump’s two minutes, he’s got an open forum to the American people to say whatever he wants. Biden then, plus the moderator, can then either ignore it or respond.