The first Republican debate of the 2024 primary season took place on Wednesday, but one major contestant was noticeably absent - Donald J. Trump. Despite his absence, the former president's presence was still felt throughout the evening. Trump's polling lead in the 2024 primary and his decision to skip the debate made him the center of attention both in his absence and in the support he still garnered from the live crowd in Milwaukee.

The debate featured eight candidates who sparred and interrupted one another over policy and personality, as if Trump were no longer a factor. However, his shadow loomed large over the event, with candidates trying to impress without suggesting that he should lose. Fox News, too, has been in competition with Trump for influence over its conservative audience since he left his regular spot on "Fox and Friends" to run for the presidency.

While the absence of Trump gave the other candidates a chance to shine, most went out of their way to pay homage to the former president, with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy even stating that Trump was the best Republican president of the 21st century and promising to pardon him if elected. Despite their efforts, the party appears to still be firmly in Trump's corner, with little interest in alternative candidates such as former vice president Mike Pence or Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

Overall, the debate was lively and at times raucous, but it was clear that Trump's presence, or lack thereof, had a significant impact on the evening.