Trump's Dominance Grows as GOP Rivals Struggle

Analysis of the four GOP debates shows that Republican candidates have been more inclined to attack each other rather than Donald Trump, who holds a significant lead in the polls. Attacks on Trump have not increased despite his rise in popularity, and the debates have largely become a fight for second place. Chris Christie, the lowest-polling contender, has been the only major Trump critic on the debate stage. The candidates have attacked each other more than Trump, with only nine direct attacks on him in the latest debate. Criticism of President Joe Biden has also decreased in the debates, as candidates may see it as a safe way to gain approval from the party's base.