Trump’s rivals eye more aggressive stance for tonight’s debate in Simi Valley
In the first Republican presidential debate, most candidates took a hands-off approach to Donald Trump and hoped the brash billionaire would hurt himself.
Instead, he only got stronger.
The billionaire’s unexpected durability has some of his rivals shifting their strategy for Wednesday’s second showdown. Now their goal is to engage Trump without damaging their own campaigns.
The change reflects an evolution in the way Trump is viewed within the Republican Party. No longer dismissed as a summer fling for frustrated voters, Republicans increasingly see Trump as a candidate who could remain atop the field for months and win some early states.
Trump will be standing at center stage when the 11 candidates face off at the CNN-sponsored debate at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
