Rand Paul is really excited that Donald Trump won't be at the next debate
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul says the next Republican presidential debate is going to be the best yet — and not just because he'll be returning to the main stage after low polling numbers barred him from it at the last debate. The true silver lining of Thursday's debate, Paul says, is the fact that Donald Trump won't be there.
Trump announced Tuesday that he will not be attending the Fox News debate because he believes Fox News anchor and moderator Megyn Kelly is "biased." "It's sort of a double-win for me: Not only am I on the main stage, but we don't have to put up with a lot of empty blather and boastfulness and calling people names," Paul said Wednesday on Fox News' Happening Now. He noted that since all the other candidates will have some more time to talk, "there is a chance to really have a substantive debate on the issues."
That, he says, will not only be better for him — it will be better for America, too. "It's all the better for the country, really, as far as I'm concerned," Paul said of Trump's absence, adding that he's "looking forward to it."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Other Republican candidates have echoed Paul's sentiments, with Chris Christie saying he's "glad" Trump is skipping and Marco Rubio slamming Trump for his "theatrics."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'The disconnect between actual health care and the insurance model is widening'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Cautious optimism surrounds plans for the world's first nuclear fusion power plant
Talking Point Some in the industry feel that the plant will face many challenges
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Explore new worlds this winter at these 6 enlightening museum exhibitions
The Week Recommends Discover the estrados of Spain and the connection between art and chess in various African countries
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Putin says Russia isn't weakened by Syria setback
Speed Read Russia had been one of the key backers of Syria's ousted Assad regime
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Georgia DA Fani Willis removed from Trump case
Speed Read Willis had been prosecuting the election interference case against the president-elect
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats blame 'President Musk' for looming shutdown
Speed Read The House of Representatives rejected a spending package that would've funding the government into 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump, Musk sink spending bill, teeing up shutdown
Speed Read House Republicans abandoned the bill at the behest of the two men
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress reaches spending deal to avert shutdown
Speed Read The bill would fund the government through March 14, 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism
Speed Read Magnione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about Bidens
Speed Read Alexander Smirnov claimed that President Joe Biden and his son Hunter were involved in a bribery scheme with Ukrainian energy company Burisma
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
South Korea impeaches president, eyes charges
Speed Read Yoon Suk Yeol faces investigations on potential insurrection and abuse of power charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published