From a New York Times story by Lisa Lerer and Shane Goldmacher headlined “Who Can Seize the Spotlight From Trump? What to Watch for in the G.O.P. Debate”:

Eight candidates will appear onstage for the first Republican debate on Wednesday. But much of the focus will be on one person who won’t be there, Donald J. Trump.

The dynamic has left his opponents preparing for an unusual scenario: debating among themselves while the front-runner with a commanding lead is entirely absent.