Though Donald Trump is set to stand in the middle of a stage paid for by CNN on Wednesday, the Republican presidential candidate appears to be sending the network a message: CNN needs Trump more than Trump needs CNN.
During a rally on Monday in Dallas, Texas, that reportedly drew about 18,000 supporters and spectators, Trump, who is number one in the Washington Examiner‘s presidential power rankings, needled CNN and the news media at large.
“You’ve got CNN live, you’ve got them all,” Trump said, referring to present journalists and camera crews who showed up to cover the event.
The crowed booed.
“No, they’re fine,” Trump said with a grin. “They’re 50 percent good, 50 percent. They’ve been pretty nice.”
He then instructed the audience to look at the media scrum covering the speech. “Now, if you like the media, give them a big hand,” he said. “And if you don’t, give them a big boo.”
To loud jeers from the crowd, Trump said, “I had a feeling.” He followed up by calling political reporters largely “dishonest” and rehashing a long feud with conservative columnist George Will, who Trump called “a disaster.”
CNN on Wednesday is hosting the second nationally televised GOP presidential debate of the primary season. Because of his spot at the top of national polls, Trump will be placed in the middle of the stage, which will feature another 10 of his rivals.
The first debate, hosted by Fox News, drew 24 million viewers, a ratings record that was in large part attributable to Trump’s participation.
CNN is hoping to see similar numbers and is reportedly charging 40 times the normal rate for advertisement placements during the primetime event.
Trump has taunted CNN in the past, recently calling on the network to donate the profits it gains from the debate to veterans’ charities. CNN has declined to address the matter but has still saturated its programing with Trump news.
CNN President Jeff Zucker reportedly told staffers last week that the network would continue covering Trump until ratings begin to suffer from it.
