To be on the main debate stage a candidate can be in top six nationally in an average of the five most recent live telephone polls, or be in the top five in Iowa or the top five in New Hampshire in an average of the five most recent live telephone polls from those states.
As of today, the following six candidates would be on the main debate stage:
- Donald Trump
- Ted Cruz
- Marco Rubio
- Ben Carson
- Jeb Bush
- Chris Christie
Those six candidates are the top six polling candidates nationally. Also the top five candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire are made of these candidates as well. John Kasich could possible make this debate if his polls a little higher in New Hampshire to gain the fifth place spot in the state which is currently being held by Jeb Bush. It seems at most the main debate stage will have seven candidates.
There also will be a undercard debate. To qualify for this debate candidates must poll at least 1% in the five most recent national polls.
Top 6 Candidates Nationally
| Top 5 Candidates In Iowa
| Top 5 Candidates In New Hampshire
|