others, I mean, in all fairness, against the world, essentially. But they really do have a tremendously powerful weapon, but they don`t use it and they don`t use it properly. They`re terrible negotiators.” [Face The Nation, CBS News, 10/11/15] Trump: Republicans Shouldn’t Agree To Raise Debt Ceiling Unless They “Get 100% Of What They Want.” TRUMP: “And he can't get elected. If this happens -- for instance, if this stuff is going on prior to an election, he can't get elected. He possibly can't get elected anyway if they choose the right candidate which is a big if. The fact is, unless the Republicans get 100 percent of what they want and that may include getting rid of Obamacare which is a total disaster, then they should not make a deal other than a minor extension which would take you before the election which would assure that Obama doesn't get elected which would be a great thing.”[Fox & Friends, Fox News, 7/25/11] Donald Trump Said Congress Should Use The Debt Limit As A “Strong Negotiating Tactic.” TRUMP: “Congress should negotiate the debt limit. They should negotiate and use it as a strong negotiating tactic, because they’re not doing that. I heard last night, speaker Boehner: ‘We will never violate the debt limit.’ Now it’s one thing if you believe that, but you don’t say that because the other side now knows that you’re not going to do anything with the debt limit and you have given up such leverage by saying that, and I just don’t understand why would he say that. You have given up such leverage to the Obama side, to the Democrats, because he said ‘We will not violate,’ and I’m saying to myself, ‘Boy, that’s why so many people are so angry.’ So many Republicans, on the other side, the smaller group, but a tough group, they’re not happy about it. So I would use the debt limit to negotiate a great deal. I just don’t know if they’re going to do that. How can you do that when you’ve already announced that you’re not going to violate the debt?” [Capital Download, USA Today, 10/22/15; VIDEO] Trump: It’s “Worth The Fight” To Use The Debt Ceiling As Leverage To Get Spending Cuts Because “If You Had The Right People There You Could Cut It And You Would Have No Problem Whatsoever.” “HALPERIN: So do you think it's worth playing a game of chicken with President Obama, and not raising the debt ceiling and dealing with the market (INAUDIBLE)? TRUMP: I would say that it's worth the fight, because honestly, there is so much fat in Washington that if you had the right people there you could cut it and you would have no problem whatsoever. And you wouldn't miss a thing.” [Interview CNBC/Dow Jones Business Video, 8/26/15] Donald Trump Said Republicans Should Force President Obama To Compromise On The Budget By Refusing To Raise The Debt Ceiling. “HALPERIN: So, again, just to clarify. So you agree with those Republicans who say, ‘Don't necessarily raise the debt ceiling. Take the risk. Make President Obama make a compromise on the budget.’ TRUMP: I do. I do.” [Interview CNBC/Dow Jones Business Video, 8/26/15] TRUMP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FAILURE TO RAISE THE DEBT CEILING WOULD BE “FAIRLY CATASTROPHIC,” AND SAID THAT’S WHY IT’S SUCH A POWERFUL NEGOTIATION TOOL Donald Trump Argued That Congressional Republicans Should Threaten To Refuse To Raise The Debt Ceiling, Even Through “It’s Fairly Catastrophic If It Happens. But Some People Are Willing To Go Through That In Order To Win.”JOHN DICKERSON: “But let me ask you about that question of the debt ceiling. Do you think that, if it's breached, that that is an economic problem, leaving aside the question of negotiation? Do you -- because there's a debate about that.” DONALD TRUMP: “Well, I don't want to say. And I'll tell you why. We should use it as negotiation. And the problem we have in this country, we're so predictable, whether it's with ISIS or with Iraq or with the negotiation of a debt limit. Boehner should not be saying we will not close, because you can't negotiate once you say that. You have given up 95 percent of your strength when you do that. So, I'm not going to say, but I will tell you, it's an amazing tool to Confidential Page 106