Trump demands $5 million from CNN to participate in next Republican debate

[yeoman6987]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/30/donald-trump-demands-5-million-cnn-participate-nex/



Like a star football player holding out before training camp, Donald Trump said he may demand CNN pay him to be in next presidential debate.

At a campaign rally in Macon, Georgia, Mr. Trump said he pulls in such big ratings that he deserves $5 million from CNN.

“I won’t do the debate unless they pay me 5 million dollars,” said the real-estate tycoon worth billions.

Mr. Trump told his audience at the rally, according to CBS News, that the network was treating him unfairly, over its coverage of his meeting with black pastors earlier in the day. He then queried them whether the network should pay him because the ratings spikes, for which he has frequently taken credit, lets the networks charge more for advertising.

“You have to tell me because I know what they’re going to say,” Mr. Trump said. “‘Trump is a chicken’ … One thing I’m not is chicken, okay?”

Mr. Trump, who frequently speaks off the cuff, then said he didn’t know whether “I wanna take the chance.”

Mr. Trump said he would donate the $5 million to veterans.

The next debate, which CNN will sponsor and air live, is set for Dec. 15 in Las Vegas.

In a letter to CNN president Jeff Zucker before the first presidential debate in September, he spoke similarly, saying the network should donate its advertising profits to veterans groups.

“While I refuse to brag, and you know very well, this tremendous increase in viewer interest is due 100% to Donald J. Trump,” he wrote then.

[yeoman6987]

1. I don't think I have ever seen anything like this in my entire life

It is almost incredible to watch. You hate to watch but it is seriously like a car wreck. You just have to peek. I can't believe how "powerful" the media has made this creature. Stunning. If only the Democratic Candidates were given this much respect and patience. I seriously think CNN will give him the money. I never thought I would have witnessed such a thing.

[Warpy]

2. Well, he just admitted it's entertainment, only

and that he's only a hyperinflated pop star.

Eventually somebody is going to stick a fork in him and he'll shoot around the planet like a balloon that's been let go, Bronx cheering all the way.

[uppityperson]

4. Seriously. He demands money to debate? Wtf???? And if he makes it?

[former9thward]

33. Why are you defending greedy CNN?

They are making millions off of Trump. Why shouldn't they donate some to wounded veterans?

[uppityperson]

36. Be careful, you're going to sprain something.

[morningfog]

5. He's a bully. A frightening fascist bully. He is trying, and succeeding, it whipping the media into

his servant. He bullies, insults and mocks any criticism. He uses threats and coercion to force the media to favorably cover him.

CNN, if they had not already folded and had any decency, would tell him to go fuck himself. They would publicly refuse to pay him, and move on with debates lacking the clown. But, they are playing his dangerous game.

[flamingdem]

7. But he inadvertently shows them who they are

and how politics is entertainment. If he'd thrown less red meat he might have gotten the nom.

[MiniMe]

6. If CNN is crazy enough to give him the money...

They should tell him to give them the name of the veterans group he wants it donated to and donate for him. That is the only way the $$ will get to them. Don't give him the tax deduction

[floriduck]

26. I'm sure they'll pay the 5 million

The additional viewers (both supporters and those hoping for his meltdown) make it advantageous for CNN to pay. If I were the network, I'd require the money be made payable to a veteran's organization. That would force Trump to follow through with his supposed claim.

[MiniMe]

27. I just think it is a bad precedent to set

The candidates WANT coverage and TV exposure. CNN will probably do it, but I think it is a big mistake

[floriduck]

28. Agreed.nm

[flamingdem]

8. And thus he is correct in charging them and in a way

he perfectly ridicules our political system based on big money and media.

[Kingofalldems]

17. Not fooled.

[lpbk2713]

3. He's cashing in.

He must truly believe he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell so he's grabbing what he can while he can.

[spanone]

9. i would tell mr. trump to stay home, and thank him for doing so.

[MohRokTah]

10. The demand for cash may well be a violation of federal election laws.

I suspect CREW may get involved here.

[LongTomH]

22. Excuse me, He's a Republican!!!!! They get away with anything!!!!!

IOKYAR rules

[former9thward]

34. Cash not going to him.

I guess you forgot that.

[wheniwasincongress]

11. I don't understand WHY

he is demanding 5 million

?

[Shandris]

12. Because he can.

Seriously. It's a demonstration of power. And since the political game is nothing more than a business, a good businessman (and yes, Trump is a 'good' (I use the term loosely) businessman even if you hate his politics) is demonstrating how it works.

See, if politics were even remotely honest, they'd simply say "Okay, bye!" and that would end it. But they know Trump is right: he DOES make them huge amounts of cash. So if they want it, they'll give a tiny portion of it to charity in his name.

Trump is quietly signalling to everyone that the game is entirely rigged. I don't think he's doing it for the good of it, of course...rather, I think it's entirely accidental. But his ego showing that the game is rigged may work out well for us, depending on our candidate. And with the media being sleazy as sin to begin with, I have no problems watching them get brought back to reality. They've lived as if they were Kingmakers long enough. (Do note this is in reference to this one act ONLY, and not the Trump campaign in general. DUH!)

[Tommy_Carcetti]

13. So.....wait.....

Donald Trump.....wants CNN.....to give him $5 million....which in turn he says he will donate towards veterans groups?

I mean, I guess CNN if they wanted to could donate directly towards veterans groups. Or, even better, Donald Trump could donate towards veterans groups, given that he is a billionaire and doesn't need CNN's money to donate.

But he's asking for $5 million why? Because CNN was "unfair" to him? And $5 million?




If I ever see Donald Trump in person, it would take all the willpower in the world to stop me from screaming, "There's something seriously wrong with you!" at him.

[KamaAina]

14. Here you go, King Combover.

[BeeBee]

15. He is so thin skinned... It's amazing he is where he is. n/t

[Kingofalldems]

16. Washington Times as a source.

Where did you find this? Are you a regular reader of the Washington Times?

[hollowdweller]

18. Wish more people would hold out for higher pay.

However as a republican he probably hates when unions do the same thing.

Jim

[krispos42]

19. And the staff of "The Onion" is throwing their hands up in the air in despair

"How can we compete with reality?" they moan, as they delete drafts of satirical news that barely hold a glimmer today's reality.

[LongTomH]

23. +1,000 How can you be a satirist in a country that has become a satire of itself.

Or, perhaps a satire of what we used to be.

[wiggs]

20. This is the thing. His entire life is about deals, getting over on others at their expense,

profits for himself and friends, business, money, winning.

And we're supposed to think that he'll drop that when he's elected? That money and future business won't influence him?

That's the line he and his supporters spout...that he can't be bought. But IMO it's much, much more likely that he -- more so than anyone -- would be EXACTLY the kind of politician that CAN be bought.

[Blue_Tires]

21. Not surprising that he would ask for it

since he could rightly claim he's single-handedly driving up CNN's ratings numbers, and a lot less people would be watching if he isn't in it...

Not only that, I wouldn't put it past Trump to schedule some big speech or press conference or official response during or immediately after the debate, which would sink the debate ratings even more...

[DFW]

24. Why?

Is a payment on some new casino project due soon?

[AngryOldDem]

25. If memory serves...

...he says it's because CNN owes him an apology because -- you guessed it -- they haven't treated him fairly.

My response would be to tell Donald to go fuck himself.

[ladjf]

29. Trump is the tackiest candidate I've ever seen for the office of President. nt

[LiberalAndProud]

30. I was surprised to find that the link is not to The Onion.

Maybe Trump is on to something here. Politics and circus are so commingled, perhaps it is time to turn the table.

[Stinky The Clown]

31. The linked site is so full of ads it is unreadable

Figures that its a right wing rage.

[Warren DeMontague]

32. watch em pay.

[Rex]

35. CNN should have to pay it customers to watch their garbage.

If everyone dropped their cable provider all at once, they would have to give it away or fold under.