1200w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/22/gettyimages-1610323608-baf212456ce175812f7112fc41426cd6afdcf43a-s1600-c85.jpg 1600w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/08/22/gettyimages-1610323608-baf212456ce175812f7112fc41426cd6afdcf43a-s1800-c85.jpg 1800w" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" type="image/jpeg"/>

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Steer N' Stein bar at the Iowa State Fair on August 12, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Steer N' Stein bar at the Iowa State Fair on August 12, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Former president Donald Trump is the frontrunner in the Republican presidential primary. And with a healthy lead in the polls, he's skipping the first Republican presidential debate on Wednesday.

So how do you prep for a big, televised debate when your biggest opponent decides not to show up?

That's been the question facing the eight Republicans who will be on stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This episode was produced by Connor Donevan and Marc Rivers. It was edited by Adam Raney. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Northern California
Public Media Newsletter

Get the latest updates on programs and events.