Donald Trump spoke at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC on August 27, 2015. Supporters share their views on what makes him the best candidate for president. (Gerry Melendez / The State) McClatchy
Donald Trump spoke at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC on August 27, 2015. Supporters share their views on what makes him the best candidate for president. (Gerry Melendez / The State) McClatchy

Elections

Trump: Next GOP debate will be two hours. And no more.

By David Lightman

dlightman@mcclatchydc.com

October 16, 2015 09:08 AM

The next Republican debate will last two hours, Donald Trump said Friday.

Some candidates, notably Trump, had been adamant that the October 28 debate in Boulder, Colorado, not go on without a fixed time limit. The last Republican debate, Sept. 16 in Simi Valley, Calif., lasted more than three hours, and candidates were clearly weary by the end.

Thursday, Trump had tweeted that CNBC, the debate’s sponsor, was seeking “ridiculous” terms.

“Why is the @GOP being asked to do a debate that is so much longer than the just-aired and very boring #DemDebate?” he tweeted.

He also wanted opening and closing statements, which apparently will not be included.

Early Friday, Trump tweeted that CNBC “just agreed that the debate will be TWO HOURS. Fantastic news for all, especially the millions of people who will be watching!” CNBC has not commented.

The first two Republican debates attracted more than 22 million people each.

The top 11 Republican candidates went head-to-head in a second GOP debate in California on September 16, 2015. For three hours they battled over immigration, foreign policy and many other topics. See some of their best - and worst - moments. McClatchy

David Lightman: 202-383-6101, @lightmandavid

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