Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Friday he offered to take Donald Trump’s empty center podium on Fox News’ main debate stage Thursday evening, after the Republican front-runner refused to participate in the debate.
However, Huckabee said during an appearance Friday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that his offer was “unceremoniously” rejected. Instead, the 2008 Iowa caucus winner participated in the undercard debate earlier Thursday evening before heading to a rally for veterans with Trump.
“It was a great event, a terrific solute to the veterans,” Huckabee said of the veterans’ fundraiser Trump held as a competing event during the Republican debate.
Huckabee questioned why presidential campaigns and political action committees, such as those supporting Sen. Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina, had offered to donate money to veterans groups only if Trump agreed to debate them one-on-one.
“Is it about the veterans or is it about the debate?” Huckabee said.
