Trump, an unknown quantity of first Republican debate
Washington (AFP) - As nine candidates take their place Thursday alongside Donald Trump for the first Republican presidential debate, one question looms: how does one deal with a rival whose bombast is part of his DNA?
The real-estate tycoon turned White House contender is also the nation's most prolific political insult generator, imposing a sense of must-see-TV on the opening duel of the 2016 cycle.
He blasted fellow Republican White House hopeful Jeb Bush as "weak," Senator Lindsey Graham as an "idiot," and Texas ex-governor Rick Perry as a buffoon who now wears glasses "so people will think he's smart."
And that was just in one campaign speech.
Despite or perhaps because of his outrageous promises and harsh invective since launching his campaign in June, the brash billionaire has snatched a wide lead in the polls.
Trump has trumped many who have spent years meticulously preparing for this moment -- writing memoirs or policy books, espousing causes, losing weight, polishing their image -- and all who courted wealthy donors.
Should they now hit back at Trump, raising a stink to get noticed but at the risk of legitimizing a man the Republican National Committee has begged to tone it down? ...
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