ATLANTA — Participants reacted positively and negatively to the decision to disinvite Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to Saturday’s RedState gathering in Atlanta.
WSB radio show host Erick Erickson’s decision to yank Trump's invitation to his Atlanta political gathering is generating national attention.
Erickson said he made the decision over dinner with his family.
“I think what's weak and pathetic is accusing a journalist of having hormone problems because she asked you a tough question,” Erickson said.
The controversy sparked following Thursday’s Republican debate where Fox News anchor Megan Kelly asked Trump some tough questions about his controversial statements regarding women.
"You could see there was blood coming out of her eye. Blood coming out of her wherever," Trump said during a subsequent interview with CNN Friday.
Many of the participants we spoke to at the conference supported Erickson's decision. Some said they were worried Trump could damage Republicans in the long term.
“I support that entirely,” participant Ginger Howard said. “My biggest concern is that he will splinter the party further if not treated as we wanted to be treated.”
Another participant said he wanted to hear from Trump.
“I was looking forward to going to the College Football Hall of Fame and seeing Donald Trump speak just out of curiosity if not anything else," Ron Moon said.
Trump attacked Erickson for his record on women. Erickson said he has apologized and also said he is not running for president.
The Trump campaign tried to clarify the candidate's comments Saturday.
They sent a statement to Channel 2 Action News saying, "Mr. Trump said 'blood was coming out of her eyes and whatever' meaning nose, but wanted to move on to more important topics. Only a deviant would think anything else.