Posted on 08/29/2015 10:40:16 PM PDT by Red Steel
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, on Friday challenged GOP front-runner Donald Trump to a “mano a mano” debate on birthright citizenship.
Gilmore has criticized Trump’s plan to overturn the birthright citizenship provision of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It guarantees citizenship to babies born in the U.S., even if their parents are in the U.S. illegally.
“Donald Trump is wrong on this issue and on his views of the 14th Amendment,” Gilmore said in a statement. “I challenge Donald Trump to debate ‘mano a mano’ on this issue. His comments are irresponsible, offensive to Latinos and a threat to the U.S. Constitution.”
“Any time, any place,” Gilmore said. “I will debate Donald Trump on his wrong-headed view of the 14th Amendment and his determination to deny children born in America birthright citizenship.”
In the immigration plan on his website, Trump calls for ending birthright citizenship, saying: “This remains the biggest magnet for illegal immigration. By a 2:1 margin, voters say it’s the wrong policy.”
Gilmore said he supports strengthening border security, deporting “criminal illegal immigrants” and noted that he opposes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants — “but I draw the line at taking away anyone’s citizenship and undermining the Constitution.”
“Donald Trump is pandering to the worst elements of our society in this issue and his strategy is not good for America or Americans,” Gilmore said. “I challenge him to debate me on this issue so I can show the nation his statements and views are not correct.”
Gilmore, Virginia’s governor from 1998 to 2002, is trying to qualify for the second Republican presidential debate, which CNN will telecast Sept. 16.
Former first lady Nancy Reagan has invited 16 of the 17 GOP presidential hopefuls to the debate, which will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Gilmore still has the opportunity to qualify for the debate.
In order to qualify, a candidate must achieve an average of at least 1 percent in three national polls released between July 16 and Sept. 10.
Gilmore is 0 in the polls and needs to drop out.
Oooh, so butch!
“Mano a Mano”? Who is Gilmore going to get to represent him? An illegal alien gangbanger?
It ABSOLUTELY does not!
Gilmore, you are now dead to me. As dead as your presidential aspirations.
He wants to go ‘’hand to hand’’?
I challenge Gilmore to Sit Down.
Gilmore is pandering to the worst elements of our society in this issue and his strategy is not good for America or Americans.
Where did this fag find that myth? The DNC platform?
Gilmore is a joke....and, a bad one at that!!!
Who? :/
My first thought was Gilmore who? I actually forgot about him.
My second thought was...trying to get some free publicity, Gov. Gilmore?
Could Gilmore lose support now?
Trump: Who’s he?
Former governor? I never heard of this guy.
Looks like he’s pimping for attention whoever he is. It’s pretty obvious why.
What will Gilmore stand on? An office chair?
Transparent ploy.
Gilmore, like other candidate losers, is attempting to use Trump as a way to salvage his going nowhere fast campaign. Trump should ignore him to deny Gilmore what he craves most, and that is some attention.
Uh oh, Jim Gilmore?! This’ll have Trump quaking in his boots.
Yes...I suppose he could vote against himself.
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