Showdown In Milwaukee: A Preview Of The First GOP Presidential Debate

Tonight, Americans will witness the first 2024 Republican presidential debate, hosted by the Fox News Channel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight candidates have qualified for the debate stage: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, North Dakota Governor Doug Bergum, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Former Wisconsin governor and 2016 GOP candidate Scott Walker joins the Rundown to give debate advice to the candidates, explain what issues will be important to Wisconsinites, and give his prediction of who on the debate stage will stand out from the crowded 2024 field.

Former President Donald Trump continues to be favored as the frontrunner in the GOP primary race, but he will not be participating in tonight’s debate. His absence gives Ron DeSantis the potential to increase his favorability among MAGA Republicans, as he currently polls at 16 percent in the recent Fox News poll. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will share center stage with the Governor, and many see the political novice as a target, although he continues to climb the polls. FOX News Decision Desk Director Arnon Mishkin joins the Rundown to evaluate each candidate’s standing ahead of the debate, break down why Governor DeSantis’ campaign is slowing down, and how lesser-known candidates must use the debate to stay in the race.

Plus, commentary from the host of OutKick’s Tomi Lahren is Fearless, Tomi Lahren.