Real-estate mogul and reality TV host Donald Trump has worked his way back into the political arena by teaming up with Newsmax, the conservative magazine and news website, to moderate a Dec. 27 GOP presidential debate in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Our readers and the grass roots really love Trump,” said Newsmax Media chief executive Chris Ruddy according to the New York Times. “They may not agree with him on everything, but they don’t see him as owned by the Washington establishment, the media establishment.”
Trump’s new role as debate moderator is sure to ruffle some feathers and add to an already circus-driven primary race.
“We are pleased to cordially invite you to ‘The Newsmax Ion Television 2012 Presidential Debate,’ moderated by a truly great American, Mr. Donald J. Trump,” the invitation reads, according to Newsmax.
Candidates were sent formal invitations Friday afternoon for the debate set to be broadcast on Ion Television two days after Christmas. Jon Huntsman’s campaign has already declined to participate, but no word yet from the remaining candidates.
“Lol. We look forward to watching Mitt and Newt suck-up to The Donal with a big bowl of popcorn,” said Tim Miller, Huntsman’s campaign spokesman, in an email to Business Insider.