Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida took advantage of leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s notable boycott of Thursday night’s debate on the Fox News Channel.

With four days left until the Iowa caucuses, the rest of the top GOP candidates sparred on policy issues like immigration, veterans’ rights, national security and the economy.

Here & Now’s Republican political analyst, Paris Dennard, breaks down the debate with host Robin Young and shares his thoughts on how the debate might affect the start of the primary season.

Guest

• Paris Dennard, Here & Now political analyst and a Republican strategist. He tweets @PARISDENNARD.

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