This week’s third Republican debate for the 2024 United States presidential race was lackluster, lacking the presence of former President Donald Trump. With Trump dominating the Republican field and skipping every debate, he is acting more like an incumbent than a candidate. Traditionally, the incumbent’s party does not hold primary debates, as is the case with current President Joe Biden. Trump’s choice to use counter-programming against the Republican debate is strategic. Despite being defeated in 2020 and facing criminal charges, Trump’s leadership over the Republican Party remains strong, with no contenders coming close to overtaking him in the polls. However, some leading contenders took jabs at Trump at the debate, and political experts suggest that one of his Republican rivals could gain momentum in upcoming primary races. Yet, even they admit that Trump’s hold on the party nomination seems unlikely to be broken.