Thursday's presidential debate in Des Moines may the first and only one without Republican front-runner Donald Trump at center stage, though his announced absence may not have an affect on Iowa caucus-goers.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called Donald Trump's decision to bow out of Thursday night's Republican presidential debate an "entertaining sideshow" to what candidates should discuss.Texas Sen. Ted Cruz proposed a one-on-one meeting -- void of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and any "mean questions" she may ask. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush tweeted a similar response, comparing Trump's thin-skinned actions to those President Obama would take.

The most pertinent statement may have come from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who simply said "You gotta show up" before outlining how each of the 11 remaining Oval Office hopefuls can benefit.

"It gives us more time to talk," Christie said in speaking with Fox News. "And that'll be good for me and good for the other people on the stage."

The Main Card

A total of seven candidates are participating in Thursday's primetime debate, starting at 9 p.m. EST. Aside from Trump and the four Republicans who denounced on his decision, the other participants include retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

Paul returns to the main stage after falling below Fox Business Network's polling threshold for the Jan. 14 debate. To quality this time around, candidates must have averaged sixth or better in recent national polls, or rank in the top five of Iowa or New Hampshire polls.

Cruz is preparing for increased attacks now that the Party's front-runner is out of the picture. His campaign is re-working their debate strategy in light of scathing television ads questioning his citizenship, his definition of "New York values" and copious ties with Washington lawmakers.

Rubio, of all candidates, has the most to gain. He continuously recalls Cruz's murky immigration reform record, specifically his support for mass expansion of temporary guest worker programs.

Trump still leads most national polls, just days away from pivotal Iowa caucuses on Monday. The real estate mogul carries a 41 percent approval rating in a CNN/ORC Poll conducted last week, well ahead of Cruz (19 percent) and Rubio (8 percent). This substantial lead, more than his feud with Kelly, may have contributed to Trump refusal to participate.

The Undercard

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore will make his since the GOP's initial primary in early August. He joins former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum in the early debate, scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Unlike primetime prerequisites, these candidates needed only one percent in five of the most recent polls.

Online Viewing

Fox News is live streaming both Republican debates, beginning with the undercard at 7 p.m. EST. Live stream options will be available on all desktop and mobile devices through Fox News Mobile and Fox News Go apps.

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