In the post-debate polling, Mr. Trump gained more support than any of the candidates who did appear on the stage.
Since then, as his legal cases play out in the courts, Mr. Trump has grown more extreme, and violent, in his rhetoric.
It remains to be seen whether the second debate will persuade top donors still on the sidelines to consolidate behind an alternative to Mr. Trump.
Rather than attending the debate, Mr. Trump will appear with union workers in Detroit.
A bad night, or just an invisible night, for Mr. Scott would dim hopes of a resurgence.
Persons:
Trump, Mark Milley, “, Scott, Haley, Ramaswamy, Tim Scott
Organizations:
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Republican National, bickered, Reagan
Locations:
America, Israel, Iowa, Detroit, Milwaukee