It is yet another instance of the long shadow cast by former president Donald Trump – the runaway leader in polling – who stands astride the political landscape sucking up the oxygen and blotting out the sun his competition desperately needs to remain viable. Greater media attention has been directed toward Trump as a potential no-show rather than the other six candidates who appear to have achieved the fund raising and poll support criteria to qualify. As conventional wisdom strategy, it makes sense, unlikely to undermine his base of support while portraying the debate as a group discussion of also-rans. Christie is the more accomplished and polished debater – glib, rhetorically nimble and with a matching ego. Their already steep hill to climb will be made even steeper.

Source: Fox News July 19, 2023 09:12 UTC