Summary:
- Eight Republican candidates are preparing for the first debate in the 2024 election, while Donald Trump announces his decision to skip the event.
- Trump's absence is attributed to his legal concerns, as he faces charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
- The debate will feature high-polling candidates such as Florida Governor Rhonda Santis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, with expectations for standout performances.
- Lower polling candidates are likely to target higher polling candidates like Santis and Ramaswamy as they vie to position themselves as alternatives to Trump.
- Trump's influence remains strong, with his surrogates engaging with the media and his legal troubles anticipated to impact the debate discussions.
Busy day for Republican presidential candidates as they prepare for their first debate in the 2024 election. Eight candidates will take the stage tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. One person not attending tonight's debate is front runner former president Donald Trump, who says he will turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail to face charges related to the 2020 election results in Georgia.
### Candidates Meet Qualification Criteria
### Trump's Absence and Legal Troubles
### Expectations for High-Polling Candidates
### Challenges and Influence of Trump
### Surrogates and Coverag
The first debate in the 2024 Republican presidential campaign is expected to be a significant moment for candidates aiming to stand out in a crowded field. Trump's absence from the debate stage and his legal issues are likely to be key topics of discussion.