GOP presidential candidates hope to make gains during debate with or without Trump, pollster says

 

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Can Republican presidential hopefuls make an impression at the first GOP primary debate to compete with frontrunner former President Donald Trump?

Charles Franklin, the poll director at Marquette University, says yes.

Less than a month away from Milwaukee hosting the debate, Trump remains the first choice among many Republicans in the latest Marquette national poll, but Franklin points out there is still over a third of voters who would like to see someone else as the party's nominee.

That leaves an opportunity for candidates to stand out and the possibility to shift their numbers, Franklin said. Whether Trump will show up Aug. 23 to participate in the debate remains a mystery.

"I think not having Trump on the stage in August is a big setback to the state, though it does give all those other candidates their chance at the spotlight without Trump dominating the evening," Franklin said.

"Everybody that's not Trump or DeSantis needs some visibility to get some attention, so the chance for one of these other candidates to make an impression is a real potential win."

Trump has previously suggested he might skip the Milwaukee debate, which will be hosted by Fox News. His former chief of staff, Kenosha native Reince Priebus, told CBS 58 earlier this month he expected Trump to ultimately take the stage.

Trump still leads the 2024 Republican primary field in the poll at 46%. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remains in second place at 22% while former Vice President Mike Pence had support from 7% of respondents, followed by former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who had 6%, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who 4% said they supported.

All of those candidates, plus former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, have all indicated they have qualified for a podium spot on the debate stage in Milwaukee.