Headline: GOP Debate in Milwaukee Sees Former President Trump Absent and Rivals Seizing the Spotlight

In a significant political gathering, the inaugural 2024 Republican presidential primary debate is scheduled to take place tonight in Milwaukee, featuring a lineup of eight prominent candidates. Notably absent from the stage is former President Donald Trump, who stands as the frontrunner for the party’s nomination. Instead of participating in the season’s opening debate, he has chosen to divert attention with a pre-recorded interview alongside former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. This interview, anticipated to coincide with the debate’s timing, is poised to attract its share of attention.

The absence of the former president from the debate platform has presented an opening for his fellow GOP contenders to introduce themselves to the nation. Each candidate aspires to distinguish themselves as the leading alternative within the party’s ranks. The looming two-hour debate, presented by Fox News, is scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. ET. Comprehensive coverage of the event, inclusive of real-time updates, insightful analysis, and meticulous fact-checking, will be accessible on CNN’s digital platform, CNN.com.