While earlier debates have been instrumental in the rise and fall of several GOP candidates, they have had minimal apparent impact on Trump’s standing.
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But Senator Marco Rubio from Florida, a top challenger to Trump in Iowa, along with Cruz, seemed keen to move the conversation away from the absent candidate. “And Ben, you’re a awful surgeon”, Cruz said, looking mischievously at retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson.
I’m surprised that the ratings for Trump’s rally are as low as they are, though, given that Trump fans obviously had a reason to tune in and produce eye-popping ratings to give him something new to crow about vis-a-vis Megyn Kelly and Fox.
Trump filled to capacity a 700-seat hall at Drake University, where he told the crowd he raised $6 million for a veterans’ group in a single day.
Donald Trump tried something different with the most recent Republican presidential debate. It also pulled in 3.5 million viewers in the advertiser-friendly demo of adults aged 25-54, according to Early Nielsen Research.
While Donald thinks Hillary Clinton was “the worst Secretary of State in the history of the United States”, Mr. Trump once called the Democratic candidate a “terrific woman” who “really works hard” and “does a great job”.
Schultz said Trump could afford to skip the debate, based on how well he’s doing in polls in Iowa four days before that state holds the first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses. “I have a very good relationship with Fox, but when somebody doesn’t treat you properly, you’ve got to be tough”, he said at a rally in New Hampshire.
“Welcome to debate night Americana style, a nation in the balance”, Colbert said on the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert”.
Trump was able to garner a tremendous amount of attention on Thursday without having to share much of the spotlight.
Trump made a decision to withdraw after Fox News refused to drop debate host Megyn Kelly, whom he accused of bias.
“If you guys ask one more mean question, I may have to leave the stage”, Cruz said.
Then he thanked his fellow candidates for showing Iowa voters respect by turning up. Bush, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have all devoted the bulk of their campaign resources to New Hampshire.
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In the metered-market overnights, which represent 56 of the nation’s largest markets, Fox News Channel’s debate from Iowa averaged an 8.4 household rating.
