Donald Trump Defends G.O.P. Debate Moderation, Slams 'Joke' Candidates on 'Today' (Video)

10:08 AM PST 12/5/2011 by Michael O'Connell

Comments

Joe Corrigan/Getty Images

Doing the morning talk show rounds to promote his new book, the outspoken entrepreneur explained why he doesn't care that Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman appear at his NewsMax debate.

Despite his clear interest, there's no chance of Donald Trump showing up on a presidential ballot anytime soon. The Equal Time rule's conflict with his obligation to The Apprentice forced him to drop out of the 2012 race nearly two years before the election.

Donald Trump to Moderate GOP Debate

Jon Huntsman's Daughters Mock G.O.P. Candidates With Justin Timberlake Parody (Video)

Jon Stewart Pranks Jon Huntsman, Brings 'Mad Men' Into Town Hall Discourse

PHOTOS: New York City Power List

But with the recent announcement that he'll moderate a December G.O.P. debate for conservative website Newsmax Media, Trump has reentered the fray.

He appeared on Monday's Today, and when asked by Matt Lauer if he was concerned with candidates Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman's decisions to not appear, Trump blew off the hopefuls.

"I think most candidates are going to join," he said. "And I think those two candidates have zero chance of being elected so it makes no difference... I think that they are joke candidates... Frankly, it gives more air time to those with a chance of being elected."

PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 Elections

Paul had said the celebrity-hosted debate was "beneath the office of the presidency," while Huntsman's campaign echoed similar sentiments. Trump explained that he thinks the debate will be quite important -- and that he was asked to do it by his party.

"A lot of the top Republicans asked me to do the debate," he told Lauer. "I think it will get tremendous ratings. Frankly, I have a lot of people -- millions of people -- who follow me because they're tired of seeing this country -- our great country, the United States -- getting ripped off."

Trump pointed to his reported lead in the polls at the time of his May 2011 bowing out of the race as reason for his involvement in the debate.

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Top Earners

As for who he sees likely to win the party nod in 2012, Trump remained mum, noting only that he's surprised by Mitt Romney's apparent inability to click in the polls.

"I'm actually a little surprised," he said. "He doesn't get traction."

Watch the complete interview below:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy