Republicans running for president will meet for their first debate on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Eight of the candidates are qualified to be on stage. One of them might be a no-show. That’s former President Donald Trump.

Host Jim Niedelman returns with Democratic political consultant Porter McNeil and former Iowa State Rep. David Millage, a Republican

Donald Trump is the front-runner in the polls. We know front-runners tend to be the target of criticism from their challengers in debates. And there’s a lot of ammunition to go after Donald Trump.

“I think he owes it to the people of Iowa to come here and answer questions just like the other presidential candidates are going to be doing,” Millage said.

“The Republican Party debate probably ought to be how to cut (Trump) loose,” McNeil said.

To hear more of what our panelists have to say, click on the video.

We want to hear from you, too, and that brings us to our question of the week. How risky is it for Donald Trump’s campaign if he doesn’t show up for this week’s debate in Milwaukee? Share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com.

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you.  It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.