By now you know that Donald Trump has dropped out of the Fox News debate—turning his back on the voters of Iowa.
Instead of answering our fair and balanced questions, he has chosen to viciously attack my colleague Megyn Kelly. She is a fine journalist, a wife and a mother.
His repugnant words will not be repeated here.
What kind of a conservative would say such things about a lady? What kind of a man would say such things?
Surely such words do not reflect the “New York values” that Mr. Trump so cherishes.
Fox News released a statement that reads in part: “Capitulating to politicians’ ultimatums about a debate moderator violates all journalistic standards.”
The statement continues:
“We’re not sure how Iowans are going to feel about him walking away from them at the last minute, but it should be clear to the American public by now that this is rooted in one thing—Megyn Kelly, whom he has viciously attacked since August and has now spent four days demanding be removed from the debate stage. Capitulating to politicians’ ultimatums about a debate moderator violates all journalistic standards, as do threats, including the one leveled by Trump’s campaign manager Corey Lewandowski toward Megyn Kelly.
In a call on Saturday with a Fox News executive, Lewandowski stated that Megyn had a ‘rough couple of days after that last debate’ and he ‘would hate to have her go through that again.’ Lewandowski was warned not to level any more threats, but he continued to do so. We can’t give in to terrorizations toward any of our employees.”
And yet, in spite of Mr. Trump’s loutish behavior—Fox News says he is still welcome to debate. And he will be treated fairly.
All things considered, it is a generous offer.
So Mr. Trump—the invitation still stands. But you will not be given special treatment.
In the words of Clemson University football Coach Dabo Swinney—we can’t give you heart, Mr. Trump. We can’t give you guts.
No, sir. The Fox News Channel is hosting a BYOG debate.
Bring your own guts. We’ll take care of the questions.
