Less GOP debate seen by 12.5 million people

Donald Trump refused to participate in Fox News’ Republican debate on Thursday, so Stephen Colbert had the bright idea to moderate a debate in which the GOP presidential frontrunner faced off against his “greatest opponent” – himself.

The debate, which fell four days before the state’s nominating caucuses, averaged 12.5 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m. Eastern time.

Thursday’s debate ranked sixth among the seven GOP debates so far in viewership.

During the event, Trump href=”http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/01/28/donald-trump-fox-news-debate-veterans/79478816/” target=”_blank” told the audience: “I didn’t want to be here, I have to be honest”. Trump is in a different category, as he is funding a good portion of his campaign with his personal fortune. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, left, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, right, listen during a Republican presidential primary debate, Thur…

Trump, the front-runner for the 2016 Republican nomination, took a pass on the night after feuding with Fox over anchor Megyn Kelly.

Preliminary ratings results released by Nielsen indicate that despite Trump’s efforts, the Fox News-hosted debate scored higher ratings than his rally, with the network earning a score of 8.4, and Trump’s debate earning a score of about one quarter of that. But the network said the candidate asked for a $5 million contribution to a veterans charity in return for his appearance, an unacceptable request for any news organization. “Trump is still welcome at Thursday night’s debate and will be treated fairly, just as he has been during his 132 appearances on Fox News & Fox Business, but he can’t dictate the moderators or the questions”, Fox News said in its statement.

Fox News had reportedly sold some of the 30-second spots for its telecast for more than $250,000, which has become the going rate for the GOP gatherings.

Trump and Kelly have had an ongoing feud since the first GOP debate in August previous year during which Kelly confronted the controversial candidate about his disparaging remarks about women, calling them “fat pigs”, “dogs”, and “slobs”. CNN was watched by 2 million viewers and MSNBC by 1.1 million during the hour in which Trump talked.