Donald Trump Debate: Business Mogul 'Disappointed' With Michele Bachmann For Declining Invite

Business mogul Donald Trump blasted Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann Friday on Fox Business Network, saying he was "very disappointed" in her decision not to participate in his Dec. 27 debate in Des Moines, Iowa.

Trump was asked about Rep. Bachmann (R-Minn.) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who accepted his invitation to attend the debate he will host on NewsMax.

"[Gingrich] had the courage to immediately say yes. You know who I am very disappointed in? Michele Bachmann," he said. "She came up to see me four times. She would call me and ask me for advice. She said if she wins, she would like to think about me for the vice-presidency."

"Most importantly, I did a two hour phone call for her with her people," he continued. "And people said 'are you endorsing her?' The answer was no. And after all that she announced she was not going to do the debate. It's called loyalty. How do you do that? It's amazing to me."

Bachmann's spokeswoman told ABC News on Thursday that the candidate will not participate in the debate. Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, Rick Perry and Ron Paul have also declined to attend.

They have some support in that decision from top Republicans. RNC Chairman Reince Preibus said on Thursday he was concerned about Republican candidates participating in the debate because Trump is still considering running as an independent. Former Bush White House senior adviser Karl Rove said the debate would be a "giant ego trip" for Trump.

Trump said Thursday that Romney lacked the "courage" to participate in the debate. "I'm disappointed that he didn't seem to -- I don't want to use the word courage -- but didn't seem to have the courage to do the debate," he said on CNN.

Only Gingrich and former Sen. Rick Santorum have accepted so far. When asked whether he would hold the debate if only two candidates participated, Trump said, "I have to look into it. They really want me to drop my status as a potential person to run as an independent and I am not going to do that."

Trump said that the Republican party was "very concerned" about his potential run as an independent. "I may run as an independent and they don't want me to run as an independent. The Republican party is very concerned I have that possibility," he said. "As long as 'The Apprentice' runs, I am not allowed to run. It's a very unfair rule because Obama can go on Jay Leno he can go on every show there is and there is no problem but I can’t have a show. So it's a very unfair rule."

 

 

Comments

[Almondo]

02:45 PM on 12/16/2011

"I may run as an incompetent and I may win...You know, Newk has already offered to sell me a personally signed award for my incompetence for $5000"

[Almondo]

02:36 PM on 12/16/2011

Trump would be happy if anybody would show up who hasn't already been fired.

[JAG0419]

01:47 PM on 12/12/2011

He seems to take Bachmann's decline of his offer personally. Like she turned him down for a date or something.
Hmm... Maybe he has a crush on her. He's always had an attraction for the most vapid and superficial. Like himself.

[Rogell]

10:06 PM on 12/11/2011

What a sick man, he is. In fact, he and Gingrich are like two peas in a pod; that is, emence egos and arrogance notwithstanding...

[beninabox1]

08:34 AM on 12/11/2011

"As long as 'The Apprentice' runs, I am not allowed to run. It's a very unfair rule because Obama can go on Jay Leno he can go on every show there is and there is no problem but I can’t have a show. So it's a very unfair rule."

Whose 'rule' is it Mr. Empty Suit?
1. This is not a US law. It's is a contract freely entered between you and Apprentice producers. Are you actually whining because of an agreement signed? Free enterprise, baby! Quit the show or renegotiate a contract. What a baby.

2. Appearing on Leno is not the same as actually hosting a show.

3. Obama does not get paid for those appearances.

[l78lancer]

02:04 AM on 12/11/2011

""As long as 'The Apprentice' runs, I am not allowed to run. It's a very unfair rule because Obama can go on Jay Leno he can go on every show there is and there is no problem but I can’t have a show. So it's a very unfair rule.""
------------------------------------------------------>

That tough, you clown. You and your party are famous for pointing out that life isn't fair. Well it's your turn for a change.

[scottymac11]

10:44 PM on 12/10/2011

Trump and Bachmann having a fight. The first popcorn is on me gang !

[diannahluv]

02:51 AM on 12/11/2011

ROFLMAO!!!

[escher3360]

10:25 PM on 12/10/2011

Time for a new TV show called America's Most Unwanted. First episode would feature Trump. After that Cain, Bachmann, Santorum, Gingrich, Perry.......... Could become one of the longest running network shows of all time. Chances are Fox wouldn't pick up the option.

[mtnlife96]

07:54 PM on 12/10/2011

Poor Donald, he's giving a party and none of the cool kids are coming. I hope he didn't already order all the pizzas and buy a new outfit...

[CaptMike65]

07:35 PM on 12/10/2011

Bachmann is smarter than I thought she was. She said NO.

[scottymac11]

10:36 PM on 12/10/2011

And Trump is dumber than Bin Ladens life insurance salesman.

[monoloco]

07:23 PM on 12/10/2011

Gingrich debating Santorum with Trump asking the questions, I'd rather watch paint dry.

[lamontstone]

06:57 PM on 12/10/2011

musn't disappoint the donald. he gets all huffy and has a hissy fit. Obama really hurt his feelings by making fun of him and the posting his birth certificate. thought id die laughing. let santorum (gogle santorum) and newt (google newt). hold trumps hand and kiss his whatever. can anyone really see newt or frothy as a president? please dont let that picture burn in your brain.

[jonmag]

06:02 PM on 12/10/2011

Obama will call the rat on your head before he calls you Donnie :)

[diannahluv]

02:54 AM on 12/11/2011

LOLLLLLLLLL!

[tamadou]

05:46 PM on 12/10/2011

Dear Italy,
Please don't feel embarrassed about Mr. Burlesque-oni. The US has The Donald to help the world forget Silvio's foibles and focus on the clown car that is our Presidential politics.

Friends forever,
America

[Sarazzara]

01:08 AM on 12/11/2011

Faved for Burlesque-oni...hahaha!

[joeyfoto]

05:44 PM on 12/10/2011

If they fight, I'd pay for ring-side seats.
Trump & Bachmann are the WWF of US politics.