To Debate or Not To Debate

So Donald Trump invites the leading Republican candidates to a debate and all but two, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, decline.  This is odd given the celebrity of Trump will likely cause some people who have not watched the debates or who are bored with the current debates to give the candidates some of their TV viewing time. Here are the candidates excuses in the order in which they declined:

1. John Huntsman – Thought debate would require kissing
2. Ron Paul – Trump is a distraction
3. Mitt Romney – Too busy focusing on two other debates
4. Rick Perry – Too busy
5. Michele Bachmann – Not really sure why she is not participating

Understandably, Trump is rumored to be considering canceling the debate, although it is not clear if it is his to cancel.  However, canceling this debate means the terrorists (RINOs) win.  The Republican establishment is trying to control the process.  They are desperate to keep outsiders like the Tea Party and Trump from having too much influence on the GOP campaign. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus bluntly expressed concern with the debate because Trump won’t rule out an independent run.  Apparently the way to make The Donald less likely to run is to run away from him. The GOP establishment is twisting the arms, legs and necks of the candidates to not participate in the Trump debate.

Should Trump cancel this debate? It’s not very often that I find myself in a position to give advice to The Donald so I’m going to jump all over the opportunity.  I say:

1. Do not cancel the debate.
2. At the start of the debate announce the names of all the candidates that were invited as if they were to come on stage.  Have podiums or seats available for them.
3. First question to Gingrich and Santorum.  Do you have any comments to make regarding the five candidates that choose not to attend this debate?  
4. Stick to issues that you have substantial knowledge on, such as China, real estate, business, etc.  Use your knowledge to challenge the candidates’ responses.  If you are not fluent on a topic, don’t bring it up.
5. Final question to the candidates should be, “I’m having another debate two days before Super Tuesday.  Will you attend?”
   

And lastly and most importantly, be The Donald!  One of these men may be our President which means he will be working for you and me.  Let’s make sure that we hire the right guy.