PD Editorial: What to watch for in the GOP debate

Here are a few things to keep in mind about tonight's Republican presidential debate in Cleveland:

The outcome won't determine the nomination. Indeed, most of what is said, and by whom, will be forgotten long before the first convention delegates are selected.

The news media will pay too much attention to Donald Trump.

Any gaffe, or perceived gaffe, will be blown out of proportion — by the chattering class and by the other candidates or their proxies.

So are we suggesting that you tune into something else?

Not at all. It could be a great show.

The debate — actually debates, with the 17 candidates divided into two pools based on public opinion polling results — is the first opportunity for most voters to size up the Republican contenders, one of whom could be the next occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The stakes are high, not because the GOP nomination is on the line but rather because the race is wide open, and most of the candidates aren't well known outside their home states. Debates are no way to judge anyone's ability to manage a crisis, but they have become, for better or worse, a major test of viability the campaign trail.

A strong showing tonight could influence volunteers and voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina — the first three contests on the 2016 calendar.

What to look for? Some viewers may be satisfied to see Trump's latest display, but others will be looking for someone who seems capable of carrying swing states like Ohio in the general election.

But with so many politicians — plus one reality TV showman with a penchant for grabbing the spotlight — competing for airtime, it won't be easy to stand out during a two-hour debate. That's going to be the big challenge.

As John Weaver, a strategist for Ohio Gov. John Kasich's campaign, said in a tweet last week: 'Imagine a NASCAR driver mentally preparing for a race knowing one of the drivers will be drunk. That's what prepping for this debate is like.'

Even if the goal is to emerge as the new favorite as Trump's popularity inevitably fades, it would be a mistakes to try to match him, outrageous statement for outrageous statement. Better to offer substantive ideas for sustaining our present economic growth and improving the standard of living for working- and middle-class Americans, fixing the nation's deteriorating infrastructure and dealing with Iran, ISIS and other foreign policy challenges.

The candidates need to address what, besides more promises to secure an already relatively secure southern border, they would do about immigration. They also need to clearly state whether they believe the government needs to act on climate change and to respond to any other questions posed by the moderators.

'I've got some doozies,' co-moderator Chris Wallace promised the Washington Post.

The top 10 contenders will debate at 6 p.m., and the second-tier candidates will square off at 2 p.m. Both debates will be shown on the Fox News channel.