Trump pulls out of Iowa debate

Donald Trump has pulled out of the Iowa republican final debate.

Trump campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, has announced on Tuesday he was skipping the debate 48 hours before the event and blamed Fox Channel Television of “playing games” and including anchor Megyn kelly as debate moderator.

“I said bye bye,” Trump said.

“So let them have their debate and let’s see how they do with the ratings.They’re going to make a fortune with the debate. Now let’s see how many people will watch,” he added.

The Republican frontrunner had clashed with the moderator in the first debate in August and says she would not treat him fairly.

Trump said he would hold an event in Iowa to raise money for the wounded veterans. He dismissed Kelly as a “third-rate reporter” who is bad at her job and had been “toying” with him.

In response, Megyn Kelly said Trump is always used to having his way but cannot control the media. She said her network and the Chief Executive Officer, Roger Ailes had told Trump months ago that they would not change the moderator.

“I’ll be there, the debate will go on with or without Mr. Trump,” she said.

The network in a statement also said they have information from a “secret back channel” that the leaders of Iran and Russia planned to treat Trump unfairly if elected president.

Fox announced Trump would still be welcomed at the debate and would be fairly treated but will not dictate on the moderators and the questions.

Leading Texas Senator, Ted Cruz ridiculed Trump and challenged him to a one-on-one debate.

“This race is a dead heat between Donald and me. If he’s unwilling to stand on the debate stage with the other candidates then I would like to invite Donald right now to engage in a one-on-one debate with me any time between now and the Iowa caucuses.”