GOP Candidates Look to Debate for Chance to Break Out

“Republican candidates will descend on Cleveland for a presidential debate Thursday that obliterates party precedent and tradition: The largest candidate field in the history of televised debates is spilling off the stage, and Donald Trump, a celebrity showman and first-time contender, threatens to steal the show,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Most candidates were meeting behind closed doors Wednesday, plotting to find a way to break out of the unwieldy pack or, in some cases, to improve on shaky performances at a candidate forum earlier this week. The showdown will be the first of nine official debates and it will provide a prime opportunity for many candidates to introduce themselves to voters.”

Politico: “It’s one of the most anticipated Republican primary debates in decades, an unpredictable 10-way clash that includes a son and brother of presidents, three sitting senators, three sitting governors and one smash-mouth real estate mogul.”