During Wednesday’s GOP debate, frontrunner Donald Trump said he is “totally committed to the Republican Party” and said he feels “very honored to be the frontrunner” after he was asked whether he was ready to commit to not running as a third party candidate.
Big news: Trump says that he will run as a Republican and will respect the party’s nomination. (He won’t run as an independent) #GOPDebate
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 16, 2015
The crowd roared after he said it and moderator Hugh Hewitt also applauded.
Trump continued that he has “gained great respect for the Republican leadership” in recent weeks as well as his fellow Republican candidates for president.
Donald Trump says he is “totally committed to the Republican Party” https://t.co/HUWDiIyhMp pic.twitter.com/CptKcYSHIe
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 16, 2015
@RealDonaldTrump – “I am totally committed to the Republican Party and I’m honored to be the frontrunner” #GOPDebate #CNNDebate #WAARadio
— Wayne Dupree™ (@WayneDupreeShow) December 16, 2015
Trump was asked this question publicly because he floated the possibility of launching a third party bid when he tweeted the results of a poll that showed that two-thirds of his supporters would vote for him should he leave the Republican Party and pursue an independent bid.
Remember Trump signed a loyalty pledge to the Republican Party in September — vowing to support the Republican nominee and not run as an independent — but has since insisted that that pledge was contingent on the GOP treating him “fairly.”
Asked by CNN’s Chris Cuomo after the debate if his pledge to remain in the GOP race meant “no exceptions,” Trump confirmed.
“I’m going to be a Republican, I’m not going to be doing a third party,” Trump said. “No matter what.”
Check out the exchange:
H/T: CNN Youtube
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