RNC Debate Lineup Set: Trump Skips, Contenders Gear Up for Primetime Stage

Donald Trump is skipping the Republican debate on Wednesday, but his absence hasn't dampened the energy in the room. Instead, the former president has recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson that will debut online around the same time as the debate. Trump's decision has given his rivals a chance to shine, and several contenders are looking to make a lasting impression on the primetime stage. Among those qualifying for the debate are Ron DeSantis, who is struggling to gain traction in the polls; Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy entrepreneur with unorthodox proposals; and Mike Pence, who is trying to convince Republicans that he was right to refuse Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election result. With Trump's indictment looming, his absence may be an opportunity for his rivals to gain some much-needed traction.

Key Takeaways:

• The RNC debate has set its lineup, with eight candidates qualifying for the stage, including Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Tim Scott, Doug Burgum, and Asa Hutchinson.
• Donald Trump has recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson that will air online around the time of the debate, avoiding a potential confrontation with his rivals.
• Trump's absence has given his competitors a chance to shine, with several contenders looking to make a lasting impression on the primetime stage.
• Key moments to watch include Ron DeSantis's efforts to differentiate himself from Trump without alienating his loyal base, Vivek Ramaswamy's unorthodox proposals, and Mike Pence's attempts to convince Republicans that he was right to refuse Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election result.
• The debate will also see Chris Christie take on Trump with sharp jabs, as well as Nikki Haley struggling to break through in the polls and haunted by past debates.
• Tim Scott will focus on his hopeful and optimistic message, while Doug Burgum will try to capitalize on his executive experience to gain traction with voters.
• Asa Hutchinson will use the opportunity to amplify his case against Trump's unfitness for office and try to play off Chris Christie's sharp jabs.

Statistics:

• 8 candidates have qualified for the RNC debate, which is set to take place on Wednesday.
• Donald Trump's absence from the debate is a significant opportunity for his rivals to gain traction and make their marks on the primetime stage.
• Mike Pence has strengthened his criticism of Trump in recent months, but will have a chance to lay out why he thinks his former running mate is no longer fit for the White House.
• Vivek Ramaswamy has defended Trump at times, but may struggle to capitalize on his unorthodox proposals.
• Ron DeSantis is polling a distant second to Trump in recent polls, but may try to use the debate to close the gap.

Sources:

• The RNC announced on Monday night that eight candidates have qualified for the debate stage, setting the lineup after the deadline passed for others to make the cut.
• "What to watch: Trump will be looking to draw as much attention away from the debate and his rivals as possible." - The RNC announcement.
• "Haley has proved to be a skilled and disciplined debater throughout the course of her political career, but can she create a showstopping moment that attracts the attention of the big-monied donors she will need to fund her campaign through the long haul?" - CNN.