Trump’s Absence Tonight Is Good for the GOP

Anyone who actually thought he would show up has never paid attention to PR or politics

Don & Ron in happier days

Some known knowns

Former President Donald John Trump was never going to attend the FOX News debate tonight. In fact, all of this feels very formulaic. Trump has no reason to show up because he is so far ahead in the polls that he has nothing to gain. Everyone else would be elevated and he would be diminished.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was always going to attack Trump, call him a wimp for not attending, and generally fill up his time hammering the former president.

The rest of the lot will oscillate between bashing President Joe Biden, touting their own views, and defending Trump. There is nothing they fear more than his cult.

Reasons the GOP should be glad the great orange one stayed away

1. The contenders will get actual air time. When Trump is part of any debate — or event, he is the center of attention. Everything the other candidates say will be somehow related to Trump and what he thinks about a topic. While some time can be spent bashing or defending the Donald, they will also have a chance to have a breakout moment. I don’t…