Axelrod: Trump’s the ‘center of attention’ over debate

Democratic strategist David Axelrod said Wednesday that Donald Trump is staying in the spotlight by skipping the next GOP presidential debate.

“Show up or not, @realDonaldTrump is right where he likes to be: in the center of attention,” tweeted Axelrod, a former senior adviser for President Obama.

{mosads}Axelrod also praised Trump for drawing attention to his brand by making the unorthodox move before Thursday’s contest.

“Can’t tell if @realDonaldTrump is being peevish or diabolical by threatening debate boycott over @megynkelly,” he wrote, referencing Fox News moderator Megyn Kelly. “[It is] a good way to build an audience.”

Trump astounded onlookers late Tuesday by promising he is avoiding the GOP’s seventh presidential debate in Des Moines. His decision is unexpected given that Iowa’s crucial first-in-the-nation caucuses are scheduled Monday.

Trump is outraged by Kelly’s status as a Fox News debate moderator. He has repeatedly accused the anchor of bias following her questioning during their first encounter last August.

The outspoken billionaire is locked in a fierce battle with Ted Cruz for Iowa’s Republican caucus voters. Trump leads the senator by about 6 points there, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of samplings.

Cruz nonetheless remains a threat because of a grueling ground campaign canvassing the Hawkeye State’s various precincts before next Monday’s vote.