DONARUDO
WEEK 033 / 073 — The Empty Podium
 Chapter 3 — The Front-Runner · Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2016
imposing older man with a sweeping golden pompadour mane, heavy brow, small intense eyes, strong jowled jaw, long dark suit, very long red necktie flowing like a battle banner turns his back on a distant blazing debate stage, featureless figures with camera lenses for faces flashing behind him
JANUARY 26, 2016. SIX DAYS BEFORE IOWA, FOX SUMMONS THE FRONT-RUNNER TO THEIR STAGE ONE LAST TIME. HE ANSWERS BY WALKING AWAY.
“Pathetic attempt by @foxnews to try and build up ratings for the #GOPDebate. Without me they'd have no ratings!”
DONARUDO — @realDonaldTrump · verbatim
It was the childishly written & taunting PR statement by Fox that made me not do the debate, more so than lightweight reporter, @megynkelly.DONARUDO — @realDonaldTrump · verbatim
round-faced man with slick dark hair, hooded eyes, thin smile, courtroom bearing pleads up a vast marble stair toward imposing older man with a sweeping golden pompadour mane, heavy brow, small intense eyes, strong jowled jaw, long dark suit, very long red necktie flowing like a battle banner
Even though I beat him in the first six debates, especially the last one, Ted Cruz wants to debate me again. Can we do it in Canada?DONARUDO — @realDonaldTrump · verbatim
imposing older man with a sweeping golden pompadour mane, heavy brow, small intense eyes, strong jowled jaw, long dark suit, very long red necktie flowing like a battle banner raises a fist at a podium before rows of saluting old soldiers and towering flags, halftone crowd roaring
JANUARY 28. WHILE THE RIVALS DUEL ON THE ABANDONED STAGE, HE HOLDS A RITE OF HIS OWN, THREE MILES AWAY.
“An unbelievable night in Iowa with our great Veterans! We raised $6,000,000.00 while the politicians talked! #GOPDebate”
DONARUDO — @realDonaldTrump · verbatim
frozen prairie at dawn, grain silos on the horizon; imposing older man with a sweeping golden pompadour mane, heavy brow, small intense eyes, strong jowled jaw, long dark suit, very long red necktie flowing like a battle banner stands silhouetted against the rising sun as hall doors swing open
FEBRUARY 1. ACROSS IOWA, THE CAUCUS DOORS OPEN. THE COUNTING BEGINS.
“It all begins today - WE WILL FINALLY TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK AND MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
DONARUDO — @realDonaldTrump · verbatim
TO BE CONTINUED →

This week in the saga

In the last week of the winter of dominance, the front-runner refuses Fox's stage over a taunting statement and lets the rivals duel before an empty podium. He raises six million dollars for veterans in his own hall, laughs off Teddo's plea for a private duel, and rides to the caucus dawn crying that it all begins today.