Makes no difference that Holt is actually a Republican, having registered in 2003.

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It’s all about getting the calls to go your way. Kneecapping Holt is a way to do it.

On Thursday, Trump took his manipulation a step further. Appearing on “Fox and Friends,” his soapbox on-demand, Trump warned Holt to not fact-check him or Hillary Clinton. Trump’s public argument being that Holt will throw off the debate if he tries to correct Trump. Trump’s objective: reduce Holt to a potted plant in the moderator’s chair.

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Trump’s going to do all he can to win more favorable treatment.

Lester Holt’s been around for a long time. He’s handled presidential debates — in a primary contest at least. He ought to be ready for Trump and Clinton. Holding them both to the same standard should do the trick. Anticipating tricks from Trump, a master trickster, is Holt’s challenge. Good refs know the game, and the characters out to game the system.

Trump-Holt, hopefully, won’t overshadow Clinton-Trump.