Fox News on Tuesday announced the contenders in the first Republican presidential debate for the 2016 election cycle.
On Thursday, the channel will host a debate at 9 p.m. featuring 10 candidates who polled the best in recent national surveys. Earlier on Thursday, at 5 p.m., the candidates who did not qualify for the main debate will be invited to face off. The following is a list of the contenders, with a brief analysis of what the debate means to them or to the White House race.
THE MAIN EVENT
Donald Trump – He won’t be the nominee, so ultimately it will be more telling to see how other candidates react to him than what he says.
Jeb Bush — It’s been awhile since he’s had to debate, will he be rusty? And will rivals attack him out of the gate?
Scott Walker – He’s been taking briefings on foreign and national domestic policy. Will it show?
Mike Huckabee – He did well in the 2008 debates, but he was a fresher face back then.
Ben Carson – He boasts about not being a politician, so we’ll get to see how he responds when his statements are challenged.
Ted Cruz – A seasoned debater with a grassroots appeal coming off a confrontation with Republican leadership. Expectations will be high for him to shine.
Marco Rubio – The GOP’s most charismatic candidate has been on a downward trajectory in national polls. But the base is fired up about Obama’s outreach to Iran and Cuba, and that plays to his strengths.
Rand Paul – Has largely floated under the radar so far, but has been trying to break out with his push to defund Planned Parenthood.
Chris Christie – Needs to remind conservatives of the union fighting guy they once liked, not an anti-gun RINO they think helped elect President Obama.
John Kasich – He could be eviscerated for his expansion of Medicaid in Ohio. But will any of his better-polling rivals bother punching down?
THE UNDERCARD
Rick Perry – He’s been studying policy and wants to benefit from lower expectations this time around. But since everybody knows this, expectations have been raised.
Rick Santorum – He needs to show why his candidacy is still necessary in a field with plenty of committed social conservatives and economic populists.
Bobby Jindal – A policy whiz who has fed voters a lot of red meat during the campaign. He’ll try to prove to voters he deserves a seat at the main table.
Carly Fiorina – She’s gained attention for her blistering attacks on Hillary Clinton and her private sector experience. Now she can contrast herself with other candidates on the same stage.
Lindsey Graham – Not polling well enough to confront Rand Paul on foreign policy in the main debate.
George Pataki – Nobody can understand why he’s running, and it’s going to be an uphill battle to change that perception.
(Photos: AP)
Jim Gilmore – Even less relevant now than when he had to drop out of the 2008 presidential race before a vote was cast.
