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Debating The Donald: GOP rivals preparing with caution
Associated Press ^ | Jul 24, 2015 12:50 PM EDT | Jill Colvin

Posted on 07/24/2015 11:46:01 AM PDT by Olog-hai

Considered the ultimate wildcard, Donald Trump is complicating debate strategy for Republican presidential candidates now scrambling to prepare for their first face-to-face meeting on national television.

The billionaire businessman, who has dominated the 2016 Republican race in recent weeks, threatens to do the same when the top 10 GOP candidates—as determined by national polls—face off in less than two weeks. It’s a high-risk, high-reward event for candidates eager to stand out yet wary to fall victim to one of Trump’s notorious bombastic political attacks.

“It’s the No. 1 unavoidability,” said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a 2012 GOP candidate who had a knack for standing out in debates four years ago.

“Do not try to match him in anger and in aggressiveness. It’s not possible,” Gingrich warned Trump’s rivals. “He’s a very instinctively aggressive guy, and if you try to dance with him on his strengths he'll run over you.” …

(Excerpt) Read more at hosted.ap.org ...


TOPICS: Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: caution; gopestablishment; newt; trump
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The fear is palpable.
1 posted on 07/24/2015 11:46:01 AM PDT by Olog-hai
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To: Olog-hai

Gee, are they really that afraid to be truthful? Does it bother them to have to learn facts?

I’ll bet Cruz is cool as a cucumber. This is right up his alley. I wish he could break the top tier and get in there.


2 posted on 07/24/2015 11:47:21 AM PDT by austinaero
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To: Olog-hai
my gosh, what's the big deal? What's all this "preparation" about? They should just get up there and passionately and convincingly articulate their vision and views.

If they don't have vision and views, I wish they'd do us a favor, and stay home.

3 posted on 07/24/2015 11:49:12 AM PDT by grania
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To: grania

I’m calling it now. LaRaza rick is going to do something stupid to try and take Donald out.


4 posted on 07/24/2015 11:50:40 AM PDT by skippyjonjones
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To: Olog-hai

Gingrich just suggested who is most ready to win.


5 posted on 07/24/2015 11:51:46 AM PDT by A CA Guy ( God Bless America, God Bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: austinaero

I think you’re right.

He’s probably the only one not losing any sleep over the debate.


6 posted on 07/24/2015 11:51:52 AM PDT by Balding_Eagle (The Great Wall of Trump ---- 100% sealing of the border. Coming soon.)
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To: Olog-hai

this is why they tried to protect jbush, walker, and Rubio. If they don’t participate they can’t screw up.

Has anyone seen their lower office debates? zzzzzzzzzz


7 posted on 07/24/2015 11:56:03 AM PDT by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: skippyjonjones

They know as well as I, when you’re worth billions, you have access to really great data and information on the insiders and their well connected friends.

These candidates have every reason in the world to harbor fear when getting on a stage with Trump.

In fact, no surprise if some fail to even show up.


8 posted on 07/24/2015 12:04:18 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: Olog-hai

It is very hard to win against a man who has nothing to lose against a bunch of candidates who have everything to lose.


9 posted on 07/24/2015 12:06:28 PM PDT by GilGil
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To: Olog-hai

It’s a good exercise for them.


10 posted on 07/24/2015 12:07:06 PM PDT by BunnySlippers (I Love Bull Markets!!!)
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If you want to sink Trump, make him crash and burn, just bring in Rosie ODonnel as one of the moderators/questioneers.


11 posted on 07/24/2015 12:10:31 PM PDT by RBStealth (--raised by wolves, disciplined and educated by nuns, and kneeling at the feet of Mary)
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To: dragnet2
Debating The Donald

In my mind's eye I see Everlast shorts and mouthguards.
12 posted on 07/24/2015 12:13:19 PM PDT by SpaceBar
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To: Olog-hai

You can’t blame these “professional politicians” from being scared. Candor and truth do not comport well with having to perform political calculations and having to weigh every word in real time against someone who just says what’s on his mind!


13 posted on 07/24/2015 12:17:08 PM PDT by glennaro
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To: SpaceBar

He’s going to KO these people and he’s looking forward to it.

After the debates, Trump should demand most of them be prosecuted for fraud among other charges.


14 posted on 07/24/2015 12:18:25 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: Olog-hai

Except for Cruz, the GOP clowns are stocking up on Depends
and flop sweat bands.


15 posted on 07/24/2015 12:20:08 PM PDT by tennmountainman ("Prophet Mountainman" Predicter Of All Things RINO...for a small pittance.)
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To: Olog-hai

16 posted on 07/24/2015 12:20:43 PM PDT by kabar
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To: grania
THIS preparation?


17 posted on 07/24/2015 12:21:27 PM PDT by COUNTrecount (Race Baiting...... "It's What's For Breakfast")
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To: dragnet2

They should have the debate in Madison Square Garden.


18 posted on 07/24/2015 12:29:15 PM PDT by SpaceBar
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To: austinaero
I’ll bet Cruz is cool as a cucumber. This is right up his alley. I wish he could break the top tier and get in there.

Cruz and Trump are going to tag team the debate. Both think on the fly. Both speak from the heart. Niether uses a teleprompter.

The rest of the crowd will look scared and stupid.

19 posted on 07/24/2015 12:33:01 PM PDT by SpeakerToAnimals (I hope to earn a name in battle)
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To: Olog-hai
Here's a picture of the average candidate preparing to debate Trump...


20 posted on 07/24/2015 12:34:27 PM PDT by DannyTN
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