Ready For Final GOP Debate Ahead Of Iowa Caucus

Republicans candidates, with one exception, are set to square off tonight in the FOX News/Google Debate in Des Moines, Iowa.

FOX News’ Jared Halpern and Jeff Monosso report from Iowa:

I’m Jared Halpern in Des Moines, site of tonight’s final Republican debate before the Iowa Caucuses with one major absence.

(Trump) “I said how much of this do you take? I have zero respect for Megyn Kelly. I don’t think she’s very good at what she does.”

Front-runner Donald Trump reiterating on ‘The O’Reilly Factor’ his decision to skip tonight’s debate and, instead, hold his own rally not far away.

(Trump) “You know what we’re gonna do, we’re gonna raise a lot of money for the vets, that’s what we’re gonna do. We’re going to raise a lot of money.”

A FOX News statement says Trump is still welcome, but can’t dictate the moderators or questions.

———

Donald Trump’s absence from tonight’s debate also means more face time for candidates like Ted Cruz, who is running second to Trump in most polls.

(Cruz) “This is a job interview.”

A main stage debate that Rand Paul will now also be a part of.

(Paul) “The IQ of the debate went up a couple dozen points I would say.”

But what matters most is how Trump’s absence will resonate with undecided voters.

(Voters) “I think it’s really lame.//It’ll definitely cost him some support.//I think it’s okay for him to not be there. I think he’ll voice his opinions somewhere else.”

In Des Moines, Iowa, Jeff Monosso, FOX News.