The first 2024 Republican presidential candidate is set for this Wednesday, and the candidates will be vying not only for bragging rights but, most importantly, who is the best one to represent the party in the general election next year.

However, former President Donald Trump, one of the candidates, will not be in attendance, citing his double-digit lead in the polls. 

Here are 10 things to look for in the first Republican 2023 presidential candidates’ debate:

 1. How will the candidates address the absence of former President Donald Trump, who is skipping the debate and has threatened to run as an independent if he doesn’t get the nomination?

2. How will Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is currently second in the polls behind Trump, try to appeal to both Trump’s loyal base and the more moderate wing of the party?

3. How will former Vice President Mike Pence, who recently qualified for the debate after a surge of donations, handle the criticism from Trump and his supporters for certifying the 2020 election results?

4. How will former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has been one of the most vocal critics of Trump and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, differentiate himself from the other anti-Trump candidates?

5. How will former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is seen as a potential bridge between the Trump and anti-Trump factions, balance her praise and criticism of the former president?

6. How will Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black candidate on stage and a rising star in the party, showcase his conservative credentials and his bipartisan outreach on issues like police reform and infrastructure?

7. How will North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a political outsider and a self-made billionaire, use his business acumen and his success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in his state to attract voters?

8. How will entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, another political newcomer and a vocal opponent of woke culture and corporate censorship, make his case for why he should be the leader of the free world?

9. How will former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a veteran politician and a moderate conservative, present himself as a pragmatic and experienced alternative to the more polarizing candidates?

10. How will Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, who are moderating the debate, ask tough questions and challenge the candidates on their records, policies, and controversies?

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Readers Bureau, Contributor

 Edited by Jesus Chan

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