Four days ahead of the Republican presidential primary in South Carolina, the second biggest newspaper in the state is signaling that it probably won’t endorse Donald Trump, who leads the GOP field by nearly 20 points.
The Post and Courier on Tuesday chided Trump for his performance at the GOP debate in the state over the weekend, wherein he called one of his rivals, Ted Cruz, “the single biggest liar” and accused former president George W. Bush of lying to get the country into the war in Iraq.
“The remarks reflect Mr. Trump’s willingness to go off topic to stir up his supporters, and to act as if he is the only candidate in the room by repeatedly interrupting his opponents after baiting them to a response,” said the Post and Courier.
“If Mr. Trump can’t exhibit a measure of restraint and civility for the three final debates,” the paper said, “the moderator ought to take matters in hand and cut off the candidate’s microphone until he can mind his manners. The candidates are vying for the presidency, and should be willing to conduct themselves accordingly.”
After the first GOP debate in August, the Fox News anchors who moderated the debate revealed that they had a plan in place if Trump, known for his showmanship and aggressive back-and-forths with reporters, got out of hand.
“Mr. Trump, in your business you have rules,” Fox’s Bret Baier told the Los Angeles Times, recounting what he would have told Trump. “You follow rules. We have rules on this stage. We don’t want to have to escort you to the elevator outside this boardroom.”
