One factor that confounds an easy “viewers didn’t care about Trump” conclusion: By dramatically pulling out, Trump nearly certainly increased viewer awareness of the debate running up to last night.
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Top adversary Ted Cruz used Trump-like language to jokingly belittle himself and rivals – and take a pot shot at the absentee himself.
Also during his hour-long speech, Trump hit some of his frequent targets: former Florida governor Jeb Bush, Cruz, and a local newspaper publisher.
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.
Fox host Megyn Kelly, who hosted the debate, enraged Trump when she called him out at a previous debate for referring to women as “fat pigs, dogs, slobs… and disgusting animals”. But the poll showed him still within striking distance of Trump, and if his evengelical base turns out in huge number, he could come closer, said Ann Selzer, poll director.
Meanwhile, Trump shunned Thursday night’s debate and instead filled an auditorium a few miles down the road, trying to prove his widespread support only days before Iowa kicks off the United States nominating voting process, reports Reuters.
“Your question was, you have disagreed with me”, Cruz said. “They were really unable psychologically to do that, and I said that is OK”, Trump said. “And that goes for the country, when you’re not treated properly you have to stick up for your rights”.
“You know, look, the man has spent a hundred million on ads, he’s working very hard”, Trump said. It was stated by Fox News on Friday that Trump requested a $5 million donation as “a quid pro quo”, which means “something for something”.
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Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He said he was operating on no sleep and that he was returning to Iowa. “Get up and vote. i will get rid of your depression”. Will I get less votes? “For Trump”, he exclaimed. The Hell with that stuff.
