Trump: ‘I Can’t Act Overly Presidential’ When Facing Attacks

RUSH TRANSCRIPT:

LAUER: “You may have just answered it with that answer. Tonight at the debate it seems highly likely that the three other candidates left on the Republican side are going to go after you. They are going to save their fire for you. How will you respond tonight? Will you be the guy who just called Mitt Romney a stiff or will you be the guy who tried to appear much more presidential? Who is the real Donald Trump?”
TRUMP: “Well, it’s different. I have these guys like this lightweight Marco Rubio who doesn’t show up to vote for the people of Florida. He has defrauded the people of Florida. I can’t imagine anyone from Florida wanting to vote for this guy. If you take a look at what is going on, I can’t act overly presidential because I will have people attacking me from every side. Ben Carson is not there any longer so now more time for the fighting. I can’t stand there and act presidential.”
LAUER: “Why not? Why can’t you be presidential and say I’m above this?”
TRUMP: “Let me tell you, because when people are hitting you from different angles, unfortunately, you have to hit back. I would have a very, very presidential demeanor when I win, but until such time you have to hit back. When you hit back you are no longer presidential, unfortunately.”