What 538 is watching for tonight: Ramaswamy
I'm closely monitoring Vivek Ramaswamy. The self-proclaimed outsider made a big splash during the last debate, garnering more media attention and generating higher Google search interest than his rivals. This triggered speculation that he might experience an upswing in the polls. However, his numbers have exhibited a consistent downward trend over the last month. It's plausible that the very characteristic that initially captivated debate viewers — his confrontational and too-smart-to-be-here style of arguing — may have, ironically, alienated the average Republican voter. I'll be looking for any shifts in his rhetorical approach or substantive positions during tonight's proceedings. Like his fellow candidates, Ramaswamy needs a substantial strategic maneuver to reshape the trajectory of his campaign.
—Analysis by G. Elliott Morris