A Republican was put on the defense on Saturday as a Democratic insider put him on the spot over Donald Trump's decision to back out of a previously agreed upon debate on ABC, in favor of a Fox News appearance.
Appearing on CNN, Democratic strategist Maria Cardona cornered Republican strategist Alex Vogel over Trump's decision to make a new plan for a debate on Fox News. The former president has argued that, because President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, a renegotiation of the terms is warranted.
When asked about Trump's motives for the attempt to change venue and other terms, Cardona described Trump as "terrified."
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"I think it shows that he wants to do it on Fox. He wants to do it with an audience because those two things are like security blankets for him and that's what he needs right now, this race has completely discombobulated him and the people around him," she said. "They have no idea how to approach running against somebody who is so accomplished, who is whip smart, who has a background as a prosecutor and Donald Trump is a 34 times convicted felon."
The host noted that ABC and Fox News are very different networks, and asked Vogel why Trump would fight for such a change.
"The audience is something that he thrives on or believes he could thrive on. So what's your response to that?" the host asked.
"A couple of things. Number one, it's important to remember. We had a Biden campaign and a Trump campaign. And for the first time in American history, we had a presidential campaign go blue screen of death, literally completely brick and meltdown," Vogel replied. "And the party on a dime has said, we're going to anoint somebody new. It is absolutely critical..."
The host interrupted to refocus on the original question, saying, "It's a different network that is very much more Trump-friendly."
"It's different campaign. It's a completely different dynamic than therefore, let's have a conversation about how to debate," Vogel said. "People deserve frankly, to be introduced to her. I know how those previous debates have been. I remember watching Tulsi Gabbard do her her magic in the debate the last time that Vice President Harris ran, and I also know how the last debate went for President Trump and Joe Biden. I do not believe in any way this is a lack of interest in being on a debate stage with her. But why should..."
Cardona interrupted him, saying, "Then why not just keep it? That's what they agreed to. Is he afraid of doing it on ABC? Then why not do it?"
