Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann latest to skip Trump-moderated debate

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Updated 7 p.m. ET

The planned Donald Trump-moderated Republican presidential debate seems to be turning into a bust.

Rick Perry's campaign indicated Thursday that the Texas governor will not participate, saying he will be focused instead on meeting Iowa voters.

"Traditional retail campaigning in the days and weeks leading up to the Iowa caucus is the Perry campaign's top priority," said Perry spokesman Ray Sullivan. Perry is one of a number of GOP presidential candidates who has met with Trump seeking his endorsement.

Later Tuesday, Michele Bachmann's campaign said the Minnesota representative would also not participate in the debate.

Three candidates - Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman - have previously said they would not participate in the December 27 debate in Des Moines. Huntsman and Paul mocked the event, with Paul deeming it "beneath the office of the presidency," while Romney said his busy schedule precludes his participation.

And Thursday morning, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus poured cold water on the event, telling Fox News that Trump's comment that he might run as an independent makes his role as a moderator "problematic."

"I think that would be malpractice for me as an RNC chairman to not believe that that is an issue," he said.

Trump told Hotsheet last week that he might enter the race in May if "the right person doesn't get nominated" by the Republican Party.

Earlier this week, Bachmann told CBS' "The Early Show" Tuesday that she questions Trump's objectivity, saying "he said he's already leaning towards a candidate."

The only candidates to have confirmed attendance so far are Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. It's not clear if the Newsmax-sponsored event, to be broadcast on Ion Television, will go on if they are the only participants.

On Wednesday night, Trump said he was "surprised" Romney isn't participating.

"I know a lot of the moderators and some are wonderful, and some aren't, but I know the issues better than the moderators," he told CNN Wednesday night. 

And Trump seemed to distance himself from the debate during an interview on CNN late Thursday afternoon, saying, "Don't forget that this is a Newsmax debate not a Donald Trump debate."

[bryblack13]

Newt Gingrich is support Donald Trump, even if Trump threatens running as an Independent and trying to hand the election to Obama. Learn more about Newt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkkiITBJU60

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0TCuDWXpEQ&feature=player_detailpage

[MurdochSucks]

Wow, what a failure. Trump, you're fired from all politics, FOREVER! You failed to get in the race and only embarrassed yourself. Do yourself a favor and stick to what you know. On the other hand, if you want to do Obama and the Dems a big favor, jump in the race late as an Independent. It could only hurt the Rep nominee. I am hoping Bachmann and Ron Paul do the same thing.

[Shibbol]

The Hermanator hops off the train, while the Donald ponders hopping on. And Romney is "too busy" to participate in the latest installment. Just when we thought this was doing to get dull, we are pleasantly surprised!

[cbsnews_viewer]

Free publicity maybe, but Trump, the Republican party says "your Fired!" Newsmax do you homework next time.

[signseeker1717]

When the "debate" was first announced, The Donald was crowing about how by attending the candidates were seeking HIS blessing as Kingmaker; NOW he says ownership of the fiasco belongs to NEWSMAX.

I don't think there will BE a "next time".

[JoeLoerzel]

"I know a lot of the moderators and some are wonderful, and some aren't, but I know the issues better than the moderators," he told CNN Wednesday night.

I wonder from what planet he's from:-)

[cntrygirl3]

Thankfully Mr. Perry will not once again embarrass himself. But then all you have left is the egomaniac that knows everything and the turnip. Should be exciting

[democracy8]

Dropping like flies...