The stage is set for the third Republican debate as five candidates vying for their party's nomination gear up for a pivotal night of discussions and clashes. With dominant polling leader Donald Trump absent and opting to hold a rally nearby, the remaining contenders are hoping to make their mark and gain momentum in the race.

Taking place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, the debate will be broadcasted from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC News platforms and live-streamed on Rumble. As the field narrows since the first GOP debate in Milwaukee, the stage will be occupied by former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

One of the key issues to watch for is abortion, which remains salient in the 2024 presidential cycle. Recent victories by abortion rights advocates in conservative-leaning Ohio and Kentucky have highlighted the divide within the Republican Party on how far into a pregnancy abortion should be allowed and whether a federal ban is appropriate. While Scott and DeSantis have expressed support for a 15-week national abortion ban, Haley has taken a more nuanced approach, emphasizing the importance of seeking consensus on the issue. Ramaswamy and Christie, on the other hand, do not favor a federal abortion ban. These differences are likely to emerge as a point of contention during the debate, especially as DeSantis and Scott seek to draw a contrast with Haley on this issue.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to play a role in the race despite not being present on the debate stage. Holding a counterprogramming event in Hialeah, he aims to upstage his lower polling rivals and boost his support among the predominantly Hispanic community. However, rivals such as Haley and DeSantis have become more aggressive in their criticisms of Trump, highlighting their contrasting governing styles and questioning his ability to differentiate between good and evil in dealing with authoritarian leaders.

The debate is not only a platform for candidates to appeal to potential voters but also a critical opportunity to impress influential donors who have been observing the race from the sidelines. With DeSantis and Haley engaged in a fierce competition for second place, their performances tonight could sway donors who are looking for a contender capable of challenging Trump's current lead in the polls.

The debate also promises fiery discussions on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and China. Haley and Pence, known for their more traditional foreign policy positions, have clashed with Ramaswamy over his suggestion to phase out aid to Israel. Likewise, Haley and DeSantis are using ads to paint each other as being too cozy with China, leading to a flurry of falsehoods and opposition research between the candidates.

Trump's legal troubles have been a consistent topic throughout the campaign, and rivals like Christie believe that these issues could become a liability for Republican voters who are concerned about defeating President Biden. However, Haley argues that the former president's legal problems will be a distraction in the upcoming primaries. While Trump fundraises to support his campaign amidst ongoing legal battles, his opponents aim to remind voters of the potential challenges these legal issues could present for the Republican Party in the future.

As the candidates prepare to take the stage tonight, their positions on key issues such as abortion, climate, crime, guns, and the economy will be closely scrutinized. With top contenders like Trump, DeSantis, and Haley dominating the field, the Republican race for the 2024 nomination is heating up with intensifying rivalries and significant policy differences.

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