"Crucial GOP Debate Approaches as Republican Field Narrows"

In a Republican debate held in Alabama, former President Donald Trump was absent, allowing the candidates to focus on attacking each other instead. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley faced the brunt of the attacks as she gains more interest from donors and voters, posing a threat to other candidates. While some candidates, like Chris Christie, criticized Trump, most spent more time attacking each other. Trump held a fundraiser and posted an ad during the debate, focusing on President Joe Biden. The debate lacked the usual buzz without Trump's presence, and the media room was only half full. The debate aired on NewsNation, a cable network still trying to build its audience. Former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott, and Gov. Doug Burgum have dropped out of the race, while former Gov. Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify.