Donald Trump, Ben Carson Back RNC’s Move To Suspend Debate Partnership With NBC

Republican U.S. presidential candidates businessman Donald Trump speaks at the 2016 U.S. Republican presidential candidates debate held by CNBC in Boulder, Colorado, October 28, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Donald Trump and Ben Carson — the twoRepublican frontrunners — support the RepublicanNational Committee’s move to“suspend†its relationship with NBCNews for a GOP presidential debate in February because offrustration with how CNBC handled this week’s debate.

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks provided a statement to The DailyCaller: “The campaign supports theRNC’s decision to suspend the debate on February26th due to the total lack of substance and respect exhibitedduring Wednesday night’s debate. We look forwardto pursuing alternatives along with the RNC to ensure candidatesare given ample opportunity to outline their vision for the futureof our country.â€

“We are have no objections to the RNC’sdecision,” Carson spokeswoman Deana Bass said in an email toTheDC. “The debates must focus on the American voters and noton network ratings of moderator egos.”

Other campaigns expressed support too.

“The RNC letter is a good first step,” Huckabeespokeswoman Alice Stewart said. “After the past fewdisappointing debates, we want to avoid another debate where themoderators become the story. Gov. Huckabee wants to talk about hiscommitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare.”

Stewart said they are still “having conversations withother campaigns and the RNC” about future debates.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus sent a letter to NBC News chairmanAndrew Lack on Friday saying that because of what happened at this week’s CNBC debate,“we are suspending the partnership with NBC Newsfor the Republican primary debate at the University of Houston onFebruary 26, 2016.â€

“CNBC billed the debate as one that wouldfocus on ‘the key issues that matter to allvoters—job growth, taxes, technology, retirementand the health of our national economy.’ Thatwas not the case,†Priebus wrote.

NBC said in a statement: “This is adisappointing development. However, along with our debate broadcastpartners at Telemundo we will work in good faith to resolve thismatter with the Republican Party.â€

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