Is a debate not a debate without the front-runner?

from Inside the Issues: The Podcast Hosted by Spectrum News 1

The first event of the 2024 presidential election cycle took place in Milwaukee. And California took center stage when participants brought up the topic of crime and safety. It happened on the same night a mass shooting in Orange County claimed the lives of four people, including the gunman. The Republican debate, sans Donald Trump, had a lot of oratory, but was there any substance? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break it down and talk the candidates' strategy. Then a discussion about the controversy surrounding LGBTQ youth that has protesters facing off over parental rights. It's gotten so heated that just this week, a store owner in Lake Arrowhead was killed over a Pride flag. Finally, it's been busy at City Hall. Last week, the Los Angeles City Council rejected LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia's pick for the ethics commission and this week, they approved the LA Police Department contract.