Trump vs Fox widens Republican rift
GOP candidate Donald Trump's boycott of the Presidential debate on Fox News is set to widen the rift within the Grand Old Party. Trump had decided instead, to host his own Presidential debate in Iowa during the Fox News debate, likely damaging TV ratings of the Fox program. Trump said Fox anchor Megyn Kelly treats him unfairly, and hence he is boycotting the debate.
What is the GOP debate?
GOP Presidential debates are a series of discussions across various fora, where Republican Presidential candidates outline their policy options and debate current policy trends in the US. For the 2016 US elections, there are 12 debates scheduled across four fora, in New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Iowa and South Carolina. By initiating his own debate, Trumps moves may create a rift within the GOP.
How did Trump's spat with Fox begin?
The saga began when Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly listed all the derogatory terms the business mogul has used for women over the years, including, "fat pigs, slobs and disgusting animals" during the first Republican Presidential debate. Trump responded by making derogatory comments about Kelly saying she has blood coming out of her eyes and her "wherever". The war of words has since escalated.
Who is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly is a 45 year old journalist, former attorney, news pundit and political commentator on Fox News. She began her career in law, working with several firms and writing several academic papers with the American Bar Association. She joined ABC news in 2003 and Fox in 2004. Experts state that there is absolutely no merit to Donald Trump's accusation that she is substandard.
Trump to skip Presidential debate
Donald Trump backed out of the Presidential debate scheduled for 28 Jan on Fox News. At a press conference, Trump claimed Fox anchor Megyn Kelly has been biased against him since the first Republican debate and said, "I won't be doing the debate. I'm going to have something in Iowa." Republican candidates Rand Paul and Ted Cruz however, will attend Fox's debate.
Fox responds to Trump
Fox news responded to Trumps allegations of Kelly's bias, saying "We learned from a secret back channel that the Ayatollah and Putin both intend to treat Donald Trump unfairly when they meet with him if he becomes President", mocking how he would handle international crises if elected.
Republican rivals respond to Trump
Republican candidate Rand Paul stated that Trump was "very much afraid of questions about his bankruptcies." Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz said Trump was boycotting the debate out of "fear of defending his own record." Republican Party members have been increasingly targeting Trump's actions and moves as it has drawn severe criticism for the party and has adversely affected other candidates' chances.
