Staff Reports
Dana Perino, a moderator of the second Republican debate, expressed her disappointment that former President Donald Trump chose to speak to United Auto Workers union members in Michigan instead of participating in the debate. Perino, known for her wit and charm, couldn’t help but address the elephant in the room – or in this case, the elephant not in the room. She questioned Trump’s decision, noting that the debates had previously been a source of strength for him during his presidential campaign in 2015 and 2016. In her signature style, Perino remarked, “It’s a missed opportunity.”
It seems Perino isn’t alone in wishing that Trump had joined the debate. As one of the moderators, she stated that she believed voters would have enjoyed seeing Trump directly engaging with his opponents and explaining his policy positions. Perino even humorously added that she personally would have loved to have him there, saying, “I’m sorry that he doesn’t feel like he wants to be there.” However, Perino also demonstrated her practical side, quoting the Serenity Prayer and acknowledging that some things are out of her control or ability to change. She quipped, “And I think this is one of them.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has skipped a debate. In fact, he also did not attend the first debate last month. Despite his absence, Trump’s popularity and standing against his opponents in the polls have continued to rise. It seems the Republican Party would have liked to see him at the event, but as Perino lightheartedly mused, “You can’t always get what you want.”
Meanwhile, Trump is making moves of his own. His speech to United Auto Workers workers in Michigan is scheduled right before the second debate. This strategic move comes as thousands of workers are striking against major automakers, and Trump is seizing the opportunity to court their votes. With blue-collar voters increasingly becoming the backbone of the Republican Party, Trump knows the importance of reaching out to this key demographic. It seems he’s employing his own form of counterprogramming, just like the interview he did with Tucker Carlson before the first debate.
In the end, while some may be disappointed by Trump’s absence from the debate stage, it appears he has his own plans and strategies in mind. Only time will tell how these choices will influence the political landscape and the upcoming election.
