What to Expect In Tonight’s Debate

Washington Post: “Republican presidential candidates will gather for their sixth set of debates tonight, with the race having split into two bitter mini-battles. One is between Iowa front-runners Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz, whose old truce unravelled into insult-trading this week. The other is between everybody else.”

First Read: “There are a few simmering conflicts to watch out for… Well, more than a few. Actually, the entire primary looks like the brawl from Anchorman right about now.”

New York Times: “In the five previous debates, Mr. Trump has been flanked by a wide array of rivals on either side. At times, he seemed content to disappear while others onstage addressed the intricacies of policy — the sort of matters that Mr. Trump has sometimes appeared to bluff his way through. But in South Carolina, just seven candidates will participate in the main event. That means more microphone time for Mr. Trump, but less opportunity to hide.”

Politico: “A cluster of contenders in a fierce competition to command the mainstream GOP lane are almost certain to collide, campaign aides and strategists say. Most of the heat is expected to be directed at Marco Rubio, who, with time running out until the first votes are cast, is anxious to position himself as the establishment front-runner.”