The First Debate

It’s here. We’re really in the season now. Eight candidates will appear on stage in Milwaukee tonight. The debate is hosted by Fox News. Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott will all compete for a shining moment.

The goal of all the candidates is to get noticed. They will each want a memorable moment that lets them shine through Donald Trump’s planned counterprogramming on Thursday when he surrenders himself in Fulton County.

Several people tell me I should expect to be surprised by Doug Burgum. I do not know him and have never met him. I am led to believe he’ll impress people.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s job is to survive. It is not just the DeSantis wing of the party feeding oppo research. Four of the others