Bill O'Reilly Urges Donald Trump to Forgive Fox News' Megyn Kelly, Attend the Debate
Fox News host Bill O'Reilly has implored Donald Trump to change his mind and participate in tonight's Republican presidential debate, arguing that the candidate should practice the Christian tenant of forgiveness for Fox News moderator Megyn Kelly.
O'Reilly told Trump during "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday night that he's making a "big mistake" by refusing to appear in the Republicans' final debate before the Iowa caucus.
Trump has refused to participate in the debate due to Fox News moderator Megyn Kelly, who he accused of asking unfair questions during the first Republican debate last fall.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I have zero respect for Megyn Kelly," Trump told O'Reilly. "I don't think she's good at what she does and I think she's highly overrated. And, frankly, she's a moderator; I thought her question last time was ridiculous."
OReilly implored Trump to attend the debate, arguing that, as a religious man, Trump should look to the Christian tenet of forgiveness.
"So why not forgive Kelly and show up?" O'Reilly questioned, to which Trump replied, "I guess so, but it's also called an eye for an eye, too," referencing a different Bible verse.
O'Reilly went on to suggest that Trump's behavior indicates he will not be able to handle the tough situations that accompany being president of the United States.
Other presidential candidates have spoken out on Trump's decision to boycott the debate, with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz telling Fox News "I think it's stunning Donald has refused to do it."
Fox News released a statement earlier this week announcing that Trump would not be apart of Thursday evening's debate, calling the candidate's decision "unprecedented."
"We're not sure how Iowans are going to feel about him walking away from them at the last minute, but it should be clear to the American public by now that this is rooted in one thing — Megyn Kelly, whom he has viciously attacked since August and has now spent four days demanding be removed from the debate stage," the statement added.
The statement goes on to suggest that members of Trump's campaign team have threatened Kelly, hoping to convince her to not ask critical questions of Trump during the debate.
"We can't give in to terrorizations toward any of our employees. Trump is still welcome at Thursday night's debate and will be treated fairly, just as he has been during his 132 appearances on Fox News & Fox Business, but he can't dictate the moderators or the questions," Fox News added.
