Trump to cast large shadow over debate, even if he is a no-show

Next week, the Republican candidates for President will gather for their first debate of the campaign, to be held in Milwaukee. Most of them anyway. Former President Donald Trump has indicated he may skip the debate and hold his own rally. Then what is the point of holding a Republican Presidential debate? No offense to Chris Christie, or Mike Pence or the other five candidates who have met the requirements for participating. They simply aren’t going to be the Republican nominee. The debate will be an exercise in futility. Sure, it may help us get to know Doug Burgum and Vivek Ramaswamy a little better and help the candidates get their message out. But will anyone be listening? If Trump holds his own competing event, all eyes will be on him, not Nikki Haley. He is up in the polls by about 40%. Trump is the Republican party these days, and if he is not at the debate, why have it at all? Even if Trump doesn’t show in Milwaukee, his shadow is large, and his presence will loom large over the debate. Just the way Trump wants it.