Former President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday morning that his impending CNN town hall could be an opportunity for the network to regain its footing or a colossal error for everyone involved.
Nevertheless, the current favorite to become the Republican nominee in 2024 indicated that a gamble is worthwhile, as he was presented with an offer he “couldn’t refuse.”
On Monday morning, Trump posted a barb on Truth Social directed at the network that has taken an antagonistic posture toward him for nearly eight years.
“I’ll be doing CNN tomorrow night, LIVE from the Great State of New Hampshire, because they are rightfully desperate to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again,” Trump wrote.
He added, “They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse!!!”
The former president also pondered whether collaborating with him could provide CNN with a new beginning, given its position at the bottom of the cable news hierarchy.
“Could be the beginning of a New & Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me,” he said. “Let’s see what happens? Wednesday Night at 8:00!!!”
In a press release issued last week, CNN stated that it would collaborate with Trump in New Hampshire.
The network announced via press release on May 2 that “CNN This Morning” cohost Kaitlan Collins would moderate a town hall in the state.
“This will be Trump’s first appearance on CNN since the 2016 presidential campaign,” CNN said.
The network added, “The CNN town hall comes as Trump has quickly emerged as the frontrunner in the Republican field for president in 2024. A handful of Republicans have entered the 2024 race so far, though Trump’s biggest potential rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is still weighing a possible campaign.”
Last week, Sunny Hostin of ABC’s “The View” criticized CNN for providing Trump with a platform.
“When you show that you are an insurrectionist, that you’re a liar, that you’re a bigot, that you’re a racist, that you’re sexist, that you’re twice impeached, that you are currently a criminal defendant and likely to be a criminal defendant in two other jurisdictions … I know everything I need to know about you,” the left-wing cohost said.
Hostin concluded, “I don’t think that you give that type of person a platform. You don’t do that.”
During the conversation with “The View” co-host Joy Behar, Trump discovered an unlikely ally.
While attacking Trump, Behar stated that she believes Americans have the right to hear from him.
“I can’t stand him, as you know. But he is the front-runner for the Republican Party,” Behar said.
She concluded, “Let him go out there and let him show again to the American people that he is a sociopath.”
In a poll published by ABC News and The Washington Post on Sunday, Trump led President Joe Biden by seven points, 49 percent to 42 percent.