Anticipating debate, Trump says he thinks system rigged

[yuiyoshida]

NEW YORK (AP) — A week before the first presidential debate, Donald Trump is putting moderators on notice that he'll be watching to see if they get too rough on him.

In a series of interviews over the past week, the Republican nominee has asserted that "the system is being rigged" against him. The first of three scheduled debates between Trump and Hillary Clinton will be held on Sept. 26, with NBC's Lester Holt as the journalist questioning the candidates.

"I think it's terrible," Trump told Fox News Channel over the weekend. "They want the host to go after Trump."

His statement is based on criticism NBC's Matt Lauer received in some circles for being too easy on the Republican in a forum on national security earlier this month. Trump, who called Lauer "very professional," told CNBC that he believes this puts pressure on other moderators to avoid Lauer's fate by going after him.

Sports fans know the phenomenon as "working the refs."

"Trump's buddy, the old basketball coach Bobby Knight, used to do this all the time," said CBS News veteran Bob Schieffer, who moderated a 2012 debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. "He'd throw fits at the referee in the first (10 minutes) and try to make them feel guilty so they'll give him a break in the (last 10 minutes). That's all that this is."

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/television/article/Anticipating-debate-Trump-says-he-thinks-system-9232605.php

[saltpoint]

1. An old saying: It's the girl who can't

dance who claims the band can't play.

[Wounded Bear]

2. Working the refs...

He knows that his "normal" behavior patterns will be seen as bullying the woman.

His minions will love it. Most women will be turned off by it.

The most probable outcome of the debate is Trump shooting himself in the foot. He's pre-loading his complaints and excuses.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Clearly, Trump is a coward.

He's obviously nervous and afraid to face Hillary and debate.
He'll probably retreat to his very worst behavior. Very pathetic.

[Orsino]

4. Misspelled "dreading." n/t