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We've been here before: Republican presidential hopefuls take the debate stage - without their party's overwhelming front-runner.

But for this fourth primary debate, the field is smaller than ever, with just four candidates meeting the Republican National Committee's criteria to participate 

 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There's also just over a month from the Iowa Caucuses, so time is getting short to win over undecided voters.

The participants will be former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. As before, former President Donald Trump won't be there.

How to watch Wednesday's debate

 and again failing to qualify for this one, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum 

 of the race this week. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who was in the debate last month, also recently dropped out.

As the field keeps getting smaller, the remaining candidates will have more time to try to distinguish themselves and demonstrate they have a viable path to the nomination, despite Trump's dominance.

Republican pollster Jon McHenry of North Star Opinion Research believes there's still a narrow opening for an alternative, "as much as Donald Trump is trying to force it closed and lock it."

But, debate performance is crucial at this stage.

"Because there's only four, and they all get more airtime, it puts a premium on actually being knowledgeable about these issues," McHenry explained.

McHenry thinks it's a make-or-break moment, particularly for DeSantis, who'd once been seen as the most likely Republican hopeful to take on Trump. But McHenry points to a 

 at a pro-DeSantis super PAC, and the fact that Haley seems to have stepped into that role based on polling and support from donors like the 

For the three previous debates, Trump has held some kind of

 event, such as a rally or major interview. This time, in what looks to be another sign of just how confident he's feeling in this primary, Trump is attending a private fundraiser in Florida - as Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, debates the rest of Trump's challengers in Alabama.  

Politics and Government News

Election 2024

Sarah McCammon

Author

For the fourth Republican primary debate, the field is smaller than ever, with just four candidates meeting the Republican National Committee criteria to participate.

A smaller stage, and higher stakes, for the fourth Republican debate

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