Trump Pulls Out of GOP Debate: I‘m Unwilling to Say I Wont ’Run As an Independent’
- Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:34pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
Donald Trump has pulled out of his own debate, the business mogul announced in a statement Tuesday.
Trump was scheduled to moderate the Newsmax GOP debate on Dec. 27. However, all the GOP candidates except Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum had declined to attend. Many questioned Trump‘s refusal to say he wouldn’t eventually enter the race as a third-party candidate.
In the statement announcing his decision, Trump addressed the concern — or rather, further fueled speculation.
“It is very important to me that the right Republican candidate be chosen to defeat the failed and very destructive Obama Administration, but if that Republican, in my opinion, is not the right candidate, I am not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate,” he said. “Therefore, so that there is no conflict of interest within the Republican Party, I have decided not to be the moderator of the Newsmax debate.”
Trumps full statement is below, courtesy of Fox News Insider:
“The Republican Party candidates are very concerned that sometime after the final episode of The Apprentice, on May 20th, when the equal time provisions are no longer applicable to me, I will announce my candidacy for President of the United States as an Independent and that, unless I conclusively agree not to run as an Independent, they will not agree to attend or be a part of the Newsmax debate scheduled for December 27, 2011. It is very important to me that the right Republican candidate be chosen to defeat the failed and very destructive Obama Administration, but if that Republican, in my opinion, is not the right candidate, I am not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate. Therefore, so that there is no conflict of interest within the Republican Party, I have decided not to be the moderator of the Newsmax debate. The American people are embarrassed by the gridlock currently taking place in Washington. I must leave all of my options open because, above all else, we must make America great again!
I would like to thank Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum for having the courage, conviction, and confidence to immediately accept being a part of the Newsmax debate. I believe this would not only have been the most watched debate, but also the most substantive and interesting debate!”
Considering Trump’s mention of his show and the finale date, however, many will surely speculate if the entire thing wasn’t a publicity stunt in the first place.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 589 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 378 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 375 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 378 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (134)
barber2
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:11pmHave figured all along that as soon as they had character assassinated Cain, the next Democrat dirty trick tactic would be to get a Third Party candidate to run. Hello, Donald.
Report Post »Top_Down
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:16pmTrump got mad at O‘Reilly for calling him ’Sensitive’ yesterday, now we know why. ( http://url2it.com/klhj ) Why didn‘t Trump say it on his show that he wasn’t going to moderate. I thought he would back out. He still has some influence. He is all about publicity and this blew up in his face.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:30pmBut I am willing to say that I would never vote for Trump, and only an idiot would
Report Post »Vechorik
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:48pmTrumps will learn than an Independent run for the presidency, will be about as popular as his GOP debate.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:56pmTrump is first and last a businessman whose business is himself. He’s never going to run as a third just as he was never going to run for the Republican nomination, as that would conflict with his TV show. He was always and only about teasing us with the possibility of it in order to draw attention, and thus ratings, to himself. He likes people thinking he might run more than actually running. This truth is as fundamental as gravity.
Report Post »SheriS
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:20pmYou mentioned a “third party candidate”, well nutcase Paul has said he will run as a third party candidate if he can’t be the Repub nominee. Guess Paul with have a really good opponent with tons of money in Trump who has tons of money to spend and will wipe out Paul! I always find it interesting that the self arrogance that you are the best candidate when voters don’t support you—it certainly takes arrogance to run against the party you are a member of the Repub Party! Both of the above mentioned individuals are so full of themselves that I wouldn’t vote for either one!
Report Post »zorro
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:25pmI don’t trust this Trump fella at all. I’m starting to think he wants Obama to win. How easy would it be for Trump or Ron Paul or whoever to run as a third party candidate? Everyone knows that third party candidate would have no chance in hell; it would only split the Republican vote.
Personally, I’ve lost all hope. We’re stuck with Obama for another 4 years.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:00pmHe may not be willing to say he won’t run as an Independent, but as a registered Independent, I AM willing to say I will never vote for him… or his hair.
Ron Paul 2012.
Report Post »Top_Down
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:18pmDid you just hear Bachmann just flip-flop on the Hannity show. Remember when she was talking to Glenn Beck she told him she wasn’t going to accept the offer. Then a few days later, after everyone else pulled out, she finally did. Waiting for everyone else. (Not much of a leader).
Now just a few minutes ago she was on Hannity show and said: Oh because everyone else backed out we decided it wouldn’t be much of a debate. There are still two other candidates still in the debate. She has no room to talk anymore. She is just a politician like everyone else. Santorum is the only one I see who is solid.
If not someone 100% completely rock solid, Santorum seems to be the only one. Then Romney is second. All polls show he is best against Obama. Still Santorum needs his claim on the heap. He has done just as well if not better on everyone else. Everyone else has shown they are regular politicians. Not saying flip-floppers but politicians.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:52pmThis comment has nothing to do with anyone that HAS been mistreated…..
Report Post »The CRICKET SOUNDS after PUNKING Mr. Cain…..where are the ladies with more evidence and motel receipts to CLAIM, Mr. Cain made THEM be MARKED by society as “SOILED DOVES’?
Fly on the Wall
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 6:52pmTrump is a joke…never intending to run earlier in the year or now. His claim that some of the people who turned him down did so because they were concerned he may run. I‘m thinking the reason given by Huntman and Paul weren’t exactly for that reason. The guy is only interested in making people think he’s a “big deal” rather than the over-bloated clown that he is. It was just another one of his stunts trying to get his name out there. And Donald, we’re still waiting for that astonishing information you have from your people about President Obama. You have proof of nothing…more BS.
Report Post »Clara88
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:29pmVeterans are supporting a VETERAN….Gov Rick Perry
Report Post »Our military deserves a Commander In Chief they can be PROUD of and RESPECT
GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE MILITARY AND OUR BELOVED BRAVE VETERANS
http://www.rickperry.org/veterans/
jzs
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 11:10pmThe very fact that Donald Trump was considered a top candidate of the Republican party, running on the Birther Ticket, says all you need to know about the state of the Republican party.
He didn‘t pull out because he refused to say he wouldn’t run, something he planted in the news after all the no-shows announced. He pulled out because he didn’t want to look like a fool. Even the Republican nominees realized that they’d look like idiots in a media circus appearing with Trump.
Seriously, buffoonish reality TV hosts – no matter how awesome their hair – aren’t going to be elected President, nor are they going to get someone else elected. Americans aren’t that stupid (sure, blame the Democrats).
Report Post »Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:11pmThis should prove to everyone what a disgusting person Trump is. He wants Obama/Newt and this should remove all doubt that those two clowns are one in the same.
Report Post »c0mm0nsense
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:11pmPaul told him to blow it out his ____. And who is laughing now.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:06pmIndeed, maybe he should run more correctly as an ” idiot.” Did Obama folks make him a Chicago offer he couldn’t refuse ??
Report Post »mils
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:14pmGotta watch out for those TROJAN HORSES…LIKE TRUMP….
He’ll probably run, split up the vote and get kudos from the Obama adm., as he does business here and overseas with their approval.. I think he’s their boy.
Report Post »Survivor101
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:35pmWhy Chicago….RINO Congressmen and the Prez can just offer him stock tips (much like Buffet) to keep the pot stirred, they keep their jobs and the elitist can just keep pointing the finger back at each other while Obama wins another term. That is why I cannot stand Side Show Paul (will do anything to advance his checkbook while not supporting a winning candidate), Book Grinch Gingrich (come on…he has sold us out on sooo many things) or Entitlement Romney (much like Bush, Kennedy, etc…birthright to politics). The libs/media?elite are manipulating everything (like “why is Ron Paul not getting attention while slamming all other conservatives) and yet the proud newbies of the GOP stand silent on the sidelines afraid of the Obama Media Monster. BTW – where is the supposed “STOCK” bill??? Cantor caused it to be yanked and now off the radar.
Report Post »TMan2020
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:06pmTrump obviously has way too much time on his hands.
Report Post »This guy is such a grand-standing ego-maniac! He’s like some silly blond bimbo, always seeking attention.
barber2
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:15pmHe IS a silly blond bimbo – with a comb- over .
Report Post »D.C.J
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:04pmHe just told Bill O’Reilly last night that he was going to do it….
Report Post »Fly on the Wall
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:50pmIf he announced it on Bill O’s show…that would have meant he couldn’t hold his own “grand announcement” today because it would have been old news. And Donald wants nothing more than the spotlight whenever he can get it. Such a circus clown!
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:03pmLots of “grrrrr” posts. Too funny!
Report Post »THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:02pmHa ha ha ha! His arrogance knows no bounds, his wig could be vp
Report Post »THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:02pmHa ha ha ha! His arrogance knows no bounds
Report Post »Stephen1
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:01pmNo one should attempt a third party run, that tactic will only help Obama by splitting the conservative vote. Remember Ross Perot? He was probably the most effective event that helped Clinton get elected.
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:01pmTrump is a fraudster. He has dishonest motives in what he says and does. He is completely manipulative; always at the expense of others only benefit himself.
Report Post »Fly on the Wall
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:51pmAmazing how many fall for his BS and can’t see through it. Talk about oblivious!
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:00pmHis wife is hot tho ; ))…..
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:46pmDon’t tell Cain.
Report Post »NILAP
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:58pmTrump is an egotist, a blowhard, an entertainer, a show boat BUT in his inner core and heart and soul he truly wants to help America get back on the right track and his tough spirit and smarts I believe would succeed in that mission should he ever be President.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:01pmB-tard .. if he gets Obama re-elected ..he will be the modern day Benedict Arnold!
TEA!
Report Post »Female
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:56pmWhat idiots! They wouldn’t participate because he might run at some point…They go on all these stupid debates being questioned and then spun like wobbly tops by liberals and no to Trump? They go to the guy’s office and speak in private but lack the guts to an open forum. We need courage in times like these not cowards, that are even afraid of a friendly person. Like they are going to be safer now from big bad, Donald Trump. As a Conservative, I am Disgusted once again with the candidates..
After thought:
Nothing like dangling a red cloth in front of the BULL (Trump) in the little minded Republican China Closet. Idiots!
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:25pmYou are an idiot for believing that excuse!
Report Post »Female
Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:58amThe evidence of their decline speaks for the truth not an excuse. For the Trump, it is better to cancel then have newsmax say those ever so famous familiar words, “Donald, your fired”.
I enjoy Trumps grit like an old cowboy…tough and street smart. I would have enjoyed seeing a substantive debate on issues that blow away all the spit and polish political garbage. I believe Trump was a guy who could do that quite effectively.
As a canidate, I would have concerns about him…unless his purpose was to run to speak his mind and reveal or clarify what the other political rodents are hiding and spinning.
Report Post »PATRIOTGRUNT
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:53pmFU Trump . You go and file another Chapter 11. Moron.
Report Post »geo01
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:49pm.
Report Post »Trump is A BAG OF WIND . . . He has never had any intention of running for President. As he said not that long ago, he would not want to give up the life style he has.
.
PERHAPS HE SHOULD CHECK WITH OUR CURRENT PRESIDENT . . . He is living the life of the rich and famous.
.
JRook
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:57pmTrump is an egomaniac sideshow and a great poster child with what is wrong with the economy.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:12pm@Jrook
Trump is a government bureaucrat or elected official who make bogus socialist laws which cause and have always caused market failure? Huh.
I dislike Trump, but he’s not the reason for the economy. Look straight at your boys Frank or Dodd if you want to see the culprits.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:14pmExcept the fact that he has created more jobs, jobs,, jobs, than Barry.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:34pm@GhostOfJefferson My statement was perhaps too broad. He represents one of the fundamental things that is wrong with the economy, that is the concentration of wealth, which has decreased the velocity at which money moves through the economy. He also represents the influence wealth has on politics and society in general. His success is admirable, but his money is taking him places his intellect can’t handle.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:40pm@GhostOfJefferson While I realize you like to keep the world simple, neither Dodd nor Frank are my boys as I am a rational independent who actually votes based on something other than ideological dogma. And spare me the Rush superficial view that Dodd or Frank caused the economic crisis and not the investment banks and AGI. Both knew exactly what they were doing when they set the mortgage back securities to avoid banking regulations and credit default swaps to avoid insurance regulations. You can’t have it both ways. If they are smart enough to be worth the absurd amount of money they make, they are certainly smart enough to know what they were doing was beyond risky. We should not have bailed any of the firms out without the senior partners putting up their wealth first.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:01pmJCrook
“ I am a Rational Independent”
Translation: I am a Progressive , Socialist,DEMOCRAT that believes in the Redistribution of Capitalist Wealth, but am too ashamed to admit it.
Report Post »saranda
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:58pmWhat is with all the finger pointing at Dodd Frank? It only became law in July 2010. We were deep into these problems by then. Recession started in 2007 and Lehmann Brothers blew up in 2008.
Report Post »smackdown33
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:48pmCan you say Ross Perot?
Report Post »THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:01pmRoss perot carnival barker
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:03pmHe better know that if he gets Obama re-elected .. he is nothing better than the new Benedict Arnold!
That goes for Ron Paul also!
Report Post »Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:17pmCatB ,Lets leave Paul out of your ignorant tirades you mental midget. Until he actually does run 3rd party just stop with the reactionist babble and I’ll stop pointing out what a moron you are.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:42pm@FELLA ..
Once again name calling .. you have nothing to add but attack others .. and stalk ..
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:44pm@PATROIT ..
Thanks for the visual … roflmao … (spit was the topper!)
Report Post »Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:01pmPatriotgrunt, leave your homoerotic fantasies out of this. Both of you are vile disgusting pigs that coulndn’t form an argument unless it first came out of the mouth of some radio talking head. Two intellectual nothings.
Report Post »jnpg
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:02pmAll the alleged ‘Christian’ overtones, tax haters, Constitution-loving, and Freedom Fighters on the Blaze and yet you still can’t think for yourselves and see that our current crises are tailor-made for one RON PAUL! I will vote for Ron no matter what because I want FREEDOM in our country!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:22pmWhen it comes down to it .. we know why the Ron Paul supporters are so rabid .. it is the drug legalization .. pure and simple. Sad that you would sell out the country to Obama for that.
Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:57pmHa, now you get owned and start reporting comments. Point proven again, CatB.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 9:45pm@FELLA
Looks like after your reporting on Patriot they saw your personal attacks with no facts and deleted YOUR comments.
Report Post »cgnick
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:48pmHe has been saying that he still might run all along. Did he just now realize that there could be a conflict of interest here. It just goes to show the dissarray of the republican party with the fact that Trump is even a viable candidate. Then again look at the field that is running now.
Report Post »GloriaJH
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:48pmThey could ask Sarah Palin to moderate. :)
Report Post »saranda
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:10pmImagine the sound bites that would come out of a Sarah Palin moderated debate. OMG I almost spit out my drink at that one. Good one.
Report Post »JustMel71
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:47pmIn more important news… the SOPA (Stop Online Privacy Act)
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.3261:
summary: Stop Online Piracy Act – Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to seek a court order against a U.S.-directed foreign Internet site committing or facilitating online piracy to require the owner, operator, or domain name registrant, or the site or domain name itself if such persons are unable to be found, to cease and desist further activities constituting specified intellectual property offenses under the federal criminal code including criminal copyright infringement, unauthorized fixation and trafficking of sound recordings or videos of live musical performances, the recording of exhibited motion pictures, or trafficking in counterfeit labels, goods, or services…
continue reading the bill.. gets better. Not!
Report Post »JustMel71
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 6:55pmOh right, wait till the blaze makes it an ‘official story’, then the readers will wake up and discuss it. I forgot, some must be led to the information and not search it out for yourselves. No wonder we’re in the mess we are in. Good luck & God Bless.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:46pmcrash and burn…………….Trump the birther is a fool
Report Post »Drakkhanlord
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:15pmyes he is a birther fool…it was all for show…
barry /soetoro/brounel/obama is a pos criminal and has not shown a legit BC…
obama SS# 042.68.4425 E-VERIFIED FRAUD .
barry is not a NBCitizen , his father was never a citizen. FOIA obama/dunham , the dam govt did not believe obama sr was the father , kicked his worthless az z out of the Country ,or read the book ayers penned for him ” dreams of…” when did he Re-patriate ? he gave up his citizenship to go to the school in lebanon when was adopted by Soetoro…
Report Post »Fly on the Wall
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 7:57pmDRAKKHANLORD: What’s the matter, couldn’t you fit any more “conspiracy theories” in your post! Obama’s mother was a U.S. citizen…doesn’t matter about his father. And you DO know the birth certificate has been shown? I have an aunt born in Hawaii around the same time and her BC is in the same format at the president’s. Where do you come up with this…or was it an assignment in creative writing?
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:44pmDon, please do not run; it would only hurt the conservative cause and I’m sure you know this. Of course, that is if you are truly conservative–of which I would hope to be the case.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:54pmhe’s pulling a Palin on you. get it
Report Post »Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:54pmClearly you aren’t paying attention and this post just proves it. Take a closer look at Trumps record, who he has supported, etc. There is no way in hell this guy can call himself a conservative but I probably shouldnt be surprised by a Newt supporter unable to understand this.
Report Post »WAKEUPUSA2012
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:43pmYeah trump thats the main reason ur backing out LOL give me a break. almost ll the candidates said no to ur little dog and pony show. thats why.
Report Post »NILAP
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:41pmPalin/Trump Trump/Palin 2012.
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:56pmRidiculous! Palin is honest and down to earth, Trump is a fraud and manipulative with no personal integrity.
Report Post »Rillobymorning
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:01pmAre you kidding? Trump is nothing but a narcissist. We already have one of those as POTUS. The last thing we need is another one.
Report Post »Fella
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:06pmBarby Spice and the Hair Club member would do nothing but spoil an already trainwreck of an election and assure Obama gets 4 more. Please pull your head out.
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 5:46pmPalin? She can’t even peddle her latest lame idea of a reality show.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:38pmHe’s backing out because of bad publicity. He won’t run for the same reason.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 3:00pmbik- you one smart cookie
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 2:38pmDamn… just what we need: another PROGRESSIVE Candidate!
Report Post »