The real reasons the GOP candidates are running

Why was Wednesday night’s GOP debate even called a debate? “Political theater” would be a more apt description, but theater minus the lead actor and with no understudy.

Since no-show former President Donald Trump is favored by 55 percent of Republican primary voters, viewers were subjected to an entertaining squabble among eight candidates with a combined support of 37 percent. If Trump had an “understudy,” it would have been Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who occupied the center podium with 14 percent —  the only candidate standing with double digits for now.

Nonetheless, on the debate stage was an impressive cast running for president in the “Trumplican Party” that has morphed into a “movement” of Trump worship and fear. How can mere candidates expect to compete when the leader is still moving? They cannot and are not.

Running for president is a vainglorious exercise and often a celebrity launch pad with three minimal constitutional requirements and unlimited potential. So let’s speculate about the real motives and reasons propelling the “GOP debate eight.”

Interestingly, the Fox News moderators failed to ask the candidates about their plans to topple Donald Trump. Maybe that topic was too touchy and, in most cases, irrelevant to why they were running.

The candidates are listed low to high according to the RealClearPolitics (RCP) poll average of preference among GOP primary voters.

1. Doug Burgum, governor of North Dakota. RCP average: 0.6 percent

Motives: He can become a household name and have fun. And in spite of a new law imposing term limits on future governors, he can still run for his current job again next year, assuming he doesn’t become the presidential nominee. Running for president is a brilliant public relations strategy for the incumbent governor, who has nothing to lose except his obscurity. Burgum became a billionaire after Microsoft bought his Great Plains Software company in 2001. In 2016, he ran for governor, won, and was reelected in 2020.

Debate movement: None for this high-achieving “normal” governor.

2. Asa Hutchinson, former governor of Arkansas (2015-2023). RCP average: 0.8 percent.   

Motives: Add “former presidential candidate” to his distinguished career and land a steady media gig as a moderate GOP pundit. Hutchinson has a stellar traditional presidential resume, whereas Trumplicans have moved away from conventional candidates. Perhaps Hutchinson is running for president because he never has before, and now he can speak the truth about Trump.

Debate movement: Zero.

3. Tim Scott, junior senator from South Carolina. RCP average: 3.0 percent.

Motive: Maximum exposure for his post-Senate career, especially corporate boards. One can surmise that Scott’s presidential run is an extended job interview, given that he has vowed to leave the Senate when his current term ends in Jan. 2029. Scott’s fundraising has been modest, his poll numbers disappointing. But Scott’s future is bright after what will be 16 years in the Senate as the only Black Republican. He can expect job offers to flow. Will Trump tap Scott as his V.P.? More likely, Scott looks at Mike Pence and wonders, “Maybe I shouldn’t go there.”

Debate movement: Little to none.

4. Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey (2010-2018). RCP average: 3.0 percent.

Motive: Trump vs. Christie media domination, with high ratings and a future on more corporate boards. Christie’s official campaign slogan is, “Because the truth matters.” This explains why he has become a mainstream media magnet. His brief 2016 presidential campaign fizzled but he is now unbridled, enjoying the limelight as Trump’s nemesis because Christie does not fear Trump and has nothing to lose. During Trump’s Wednesday night debate counter-programing, he described Christie’s motives as The Hill reported: “He runs solely on the basis of ‘Let’s get Trump.’…He’s like a savage maniac. He’s like a lunatic. And that’s all he talks about. His poll numbers are very, very low.”

Debate movement: A sight bounce.

5. Nikki Haley: Former governor of South Carolina (2011-2017) and former U.N. ambassador. RCP average: 3.2 percent.

Motive: Seeking her next career with more corporate boards and boards of trustees. Haley is trying to stay relevant since her lackluster presidential campaign has been distinguished only by her gender. And a Trump vice presidential offer is unlikely since Trump cannot control her.

Debate movement: Haley was one of the standouts on Wednesday night. She was truthful, articulate, knowledgeable and commanding. Expect a poll bounce.

6. Mike Pence: Former Indiana governor (2013-2017) and vice president (Jan. 2017- Jan. 2021). RCP average: 4.3 percent.

Motive: A media gig during Trump’s trials and campaign. Then, “So Help Me God.” The “hero” of January 6, 2021, has finally found his voice promoting how he “chose the Constitution over Donald Trump.”

Debate movement: Pence dominated, showing a forceful side not seen after four years of silently standing beside Trump. But don’t expect a poll bounce for the man Trump hates most. Still on pace to drop out after Iowa.

7. Vivek Ramaswamy: Tech entrepreneur. RCP average: 7.1 percent 

Motive: Get famous, stay famous. After that, watch out world! Ramaswamy is a cocky breakout candidate. The new media darling is intentionally generating more attention than he ever imagined. Is he the party’s future?

Debate movement: After he declared that Trump was “the best president of the 21st century,” Trump returned the favor by praising Ramaswamy. Is he vice presidential material? Expect a bump in his polling.

8. Ron DeSantis: Gov. of Florida, RCP average: 14.3 percent.

Motive: President in 2024, or else never stop trying. After the highest hopes and expectations, DeSantis has failed as the “Trump slayer,” future party leader, “Trump without the drama or baggage,” and “the next big thing.” Debate movement: Circling the drain with no breakout moments, poll dip expected.

9. Donald Trump: Former U.S. President (2017-2021) RCP average: 55 percent.

Motive: Stay out of court and prison, avenge his 2020 loss, slay his enemies, win in 2024 and become president for life. Trump’s media and campaign domination is like nothing in the nation’s history. He was “proudly arrested” at the Fulton County jail, adding to his three other arrests. Trump is best summed up by his own words: “I am your warrior. I am your justice, and for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.”

Debate movement: The absent, untouchable winner.

The GOP primary field will likely narrow for the next debate. Meanwhile, worldwide, our enemies laugh at America’s political theater of the absurd.

Myra Adams writes about politics and religion. She served on the creative team of two GOP presidential campaigns, in 2004 and 2008.