Special Report: The First Presidential Debate Is on Wednesday – Here Are 7 Things You Should Know Before You Watch the Debate or Hear About It

The first Presidential debate on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a key swing state determining the next President.

This could make it or break it for many of the candidates running for President.

And this time, the debate will be just the GOP candidates running for President moderated by Fox anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Bret and Martha have a reputation and history of being fair, objective… and tough.

Not all candidates running for President will be there.

Only the candidates who quailed with enough donors and high enough poll numbers will be there. (See below for poll results).

There are nine qualified candidates.

• North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
• Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
• Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley
• Former Vice President Mike Pence
• Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy
• South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott
• Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson
• Former President Donald Trump

Donald Trump qualifies, but he has said he is not going to be on the stage. However, it could be a last-minute surprise for him to show up. His not showing up is probably regarding the legal issues he has, as well as someone in the lead as he is could be more harmed than helped by a debate like this. A pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump will be aired at the same time as the debate.

If President Trump gets on the debate stage, he is the best debater with unpredictable, sharp attacks on opponents and can deflect criticism and attacks on him far better than anyone I have ever seen.

Here are the seven things you should know:

#1 Here are the current polling results.

And here is the current polling of the key first states’ primaries:

• Iowa

• New Hampshire

• South Carolina

• Nevada

This debate will make or break some of the candidates in these states. All of them want to show strong polling in the election to get donations and media attention and support for the next state. If they fail to do so, they probably will drop out… at least they should.

#2. Our presidential profiles.

We have created six different presidential profiles so far. In case you missed them, check them out here:

1. Senator Tim Scott Throws Hat in Presidential Ring: Says the Country is Strong, But Biden is Weak—America is Still the Land of Opportunity… And He’s the Proof…[Check out the Special Video Bonus at the end of this article] You can find the article here.
2. Presidential Profile: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
3. Presidential Profile: North Dakota Republican Governor Doug Burgum [Video]
4. How Mike Pence Plans to Become President: Evangelical Christians- 3 Things You Should Know [VIDEO]. You can find the article here.
5. Voters Guide: Presidential Profile: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez [VIDEO]
6. Another Presidential Contender: Larry Elder Throws His Hat in the Ring – Adds His Name to the Growing List of GOP Candidates [Video] – You can find the article here.

#3. Here’s what to watch for… including Trump?

It’s unlikely Trump will show up. He said he’s not, but if Trump shows up, he’s likely to do extremely well and hold his own, if not move even more ahead in popularity in the polls, as he did in the 2016 debate.

More important to watch for is if any candidate really answers questions extraordinarily well and becomes a spotlight during the debate, or if someone fumbles really badly and has a major embarrassment. Also, all eyes will be on Vivek and Chris Christie for their ability to attack other candidates. Tim Scott has surprised many voters, causing him to rise in the polls. This may see him rise again, especially among evangelical voters.

#4 DeSantis chance to move up in the polls?

Its DeSantis’ time to show that he’s got the stuff it takes to impress the GOP is this first debate… everything’s on the line.

And the others? Each of them is largely ignored except in these key primary states, where they have concentrated their marketing and presence.

But if they don’t prove to be as good as DeSantis or Trump, they will probably have to drop out.

#5 The trouble with Vivek Ramaswamy.

He is the youngest candidate running in the race, as good if not better than any other candidate on the stage. Vivek may be as good, if not better. He’s sharp. He’s articulate and has great energy.

But more importantly, I like much of what he has to say. Unlike Trump, who talks in shorthand, partial sentences, and impulse. Vivek is calculated and self-disciplined.

Here is an article you should see about Vivek before you see him on stage. Click HERE to read “Voter Guide: The Trouble with Vivek? 6 Things About His Hindu Worldview You Should Know.”

#6 North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s Unique Way to Raise Funds.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum exceeded the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) donor requirement to make the debate stage in August after giving $20 gift cards to those contributing as little as $1.

The RNC is requiring all candidates to generate at least 40,000 unique donors from at least 20 states or territories, along with meeting polling criteria and signing loyalty pledges to support the eventual nominee.

Burgum created “Biden Economic Relief cards” for donors – a $20,000 gift card.

Burgum raised $11.7 million since his early June presidential launch and ended the second quarter with $3.7 million cash on hand. The governor raised $1.5 million, gave his campaign $10.2 million and the super political action (PAC) committee supporting his White House bid, Best of America, raised over $11 million.

#7 The Debate: When and Where

The drama zone starts this Wednesday, August 23, 2023, and will be aired on Fox News at 9 p.m. Eastern.

I look forward to you making comments in the comment section of this blog on what you thought about the candidates or emailing me at craig@craighuey.com.

Plus, make sure that after the debate, you vote in our Presidential Poll, by clicking HERE.