Some political insiders have dismissed the upcoming debate for second-tier Republican presidential candidates as the “kids’ table” debate. But for the low-ranking hopefuls who take part, the kids’ debate might turn out to be as big an opportunity to move ahead as the first-tier faceoff scheduled for later on Thursday. For five reasons:

1) Donald Trump won’t be involved. The top ten debate is in grave danger of becoming the Trump show. Even top GOP candidates’ performances will be evaluated relative to Trump, making it harder for them to make a good impression on their own.