Next month's Fox News-hosted GOP presidential debate that brings back the same moderators who anchored the
network's Aug. 6 ratings hit — sets up a possible repeat of an epic clash between front-runner Donald Trump and host Megyn Kelly.
The cable network announced Monday Bret Baier, Chris Wallace and Kelly would be tapped again for the Jan. 28 face-off from Des Moines, Iowa — just days before the crucial caucuses in the early-voting state.
Trump has continued to lob
Twitter blasts at Kelly, who set off the fireworks with a line a questioning Aug. 6 that
angered the real estate billionaire; the broadcast itself, meanwhile, smashed an all-time record for viewership for Fox News,
with 24 million.
Mediaite's Joe Concha said he expects more of the same next month.
"Here's an early prediction," he writes.
"Because of the hype that will reach — to use an old 'Spaceballs' term — ludicrous speed because of Donald and Megyn alone, this debate will beat 24 million. It'll beat 25 million. In boxing terms, this is Ali-Frazier II. Tyson-Holyfield II. Snooki-Sammi Sweetheart II."
But "if Trump wants a war," Concha argues, "he isn't getting that satisfaction from Kelly," whom the writer describes as "smart enough to understand what her
long-term brand prospers by staying above the fray."
He also notes the hype may not be warranted, "but this is the reality TV version of the roller coaster ride to the White House: Everything gets blown out of proportion" — including, he writes "Fox's open debate audience record."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.