This would NEVER happen at a Democratic debate.
People are calling Trump "cowardly", "thin-skinned" and worse for skipping the debate but he's the only one in recent memory that actually stood up for himself and took a stand.
If I remember correctly, Ronald Reagan was the last Republican candidate to skip a primary debate and then he had his "I'm paying for this microphone" moment at another primary debate. They didn't mess with Reagan too much after that.
The people KNOW who they want.
**DRUDGE POLL** WHO IS YOUR REPUBLICAN PICK FOR PRESIDENT?