A conservative commentator on CNN last night said that the only reason they're holding the GOP debates is in case Trump chokes on a cheeseburger. My example earlier yesterday was his walking into a sinkhole and vanishing into magma, but the principle is the same.
@lauren that doesn't make much sense, though.
There are lots of reasons to hold the debates, ranging from engaging with voters in early primary states through polishing party positions through simply providing advertisement for the party in general.
The debates are a form of outreach and advertising if nothing else.
Mainly, though, I don't think Trump can win a general election, so these debates are important in providing Republican voters an option for a candidate should they decide they want to win the presidency.
