THE first televised debate among the Republican candidates for president takes place in Cleveland on the evening of August 6th. Fox News is broadcasting the event, which, in a crowded field of runners, it has limited to ten participants based on their standing in the polls. Chris Christie and John Kasich just about made the cut, but Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum and the rest will have to settle for taking part in a separate televised meeting (dubbed by some as the losers’ forum) that will precede the big show. The debate is the first big opportunity for the candidates to present themselves on a national stage. They will hope to make a good impression and avoid the kind of gaffes (Rick Perry’s “Oops!” in the 2012 race) that can bring a campaign crashing to the ground.
Will Jeb Bush trip up over his position on the Iraq war? Can Marco Rubio rumble up the courage to speak for immigration reform? Will Donald Trump say something outrageously silly (of course he will). But before settling down to watch the fun, take some time to meet the candidates in our graphic
Debate night
Source: The Economist
