While most Americans are yawning through the waning days of late August, the political world is buzzing with one indictment after another and now, next week, the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee. While eight candidates have qualified for the debate, the leading one—former President Donald Trump—may not show up. Right now, Trump leads the Republican primary field, with a history of drawing viewers into his media moments. The former president’s decision to show up matters for his opponents. …
Heading into the GOP primary debate next week, the former president is comfortably ahead in the polls despite mounting indictments. The other GOP primary candidates will likely struggle to draw people into the program in the way that Trump can. What does that mean? Perhaps a smaller audience and fewer chances to take direct swings at the leading candidate; a tough spot to be in. CONTINUED
Clifford Young, Sarah Feldman & Bernard Mendez, Ipsos
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