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One week before the GOP caucus in Iowa, Donald Trump will moderate the Republican debate in Des Moines on December 27.

“I guess Newsmax couldn’t find Ryan Seacrest’s schedule,” says political analyst Richard Wolffe, adding, “This is a joke.”

“It just emphasizes how much the brand is diluted and downgraded by this kind of freak show,” Wolffe tells Hardball’s Chris Matthews.

Candidate Jon Huntsman has declined the debate, sending a message through his spokesman, saying, “Huntsman declines the Trump debate and we look forward to watching Governor Romney suck up to Trump with a big bowl of popcorn.”

Pondering whether other candidates will follow suit, Politico’s Joe Williams says, “Certainly any serious candidate would want to turn this down because it would be a freak show, a reality show.”

Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy defends their decision to cast Trump in the role of moderator by saying, “Our readers and the grassroots really love Trump.”

Trump, who toyed with entering the presidential race earlier this year, has not endorsed a candidate.

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