Dec 27th? The tuesday after Christmas weekend? I'd think most people may have their minds on other things. The caucus is exactly 1 week after this. This really seems like a gimmick to try and corner the last news cycle before the votes. I'd hope that most Iowans who participate in politics will have made up their minds by then. Those who haven't, have probably found other things besides politics to occupy their minds, and to think that might change because this is the last debate before the vote, probably not realistic. Especially given the proximity to Christmas, 2 days later.
So, unless this "tv debate show" (yes it's a tv show), has some serious hype surrounding it, I'd expect it to be a failure in it's intent to control that final news cycle. I suspect the headlines coming from this debate show will be nothing ground breaking or earth shattering. IN fact, I hope that the media spin points out that Ron Paul wasn't there. I have my reasons for that, but simply, anytime the MSM has gone negative and attacked RP, it has backfired.
I suspect Trump & Co. just hope that Ron Paul people forget to show up.
My view, the entire Trump GOP debate TV SHOW is an attempt to distract the masses and/or lull those fence sitting supporters to sleep. This is a great opportunity for the grassroots in Iowa to rally around the final week and make some news for Ron Paul. Maybe it would be a good idea to have Ron Paul in town giving gifts to charity, sort of like an American version of Boxing Day. Just a thought. Even if RP couldn't attend, it would be nice for the grassroots to maybe put together some winter care packages for homeless and needy people and set up in a Church or public place somewhere. Make news by giving blankets, socks, and gloves to the homeless or needy, and do it with inspiration from Ron Paul rejecting fake "reality" tv debate shows, in favor of facing reality in Iowa.