BOTH events were televised, and I watched some of EACH:

Trump did nothing to hurt his popularity during HIS event, and raised an estimated 6 million for veterans in the process. A political ploy of course; but it will work effectively on millions of knuckle-dragging RIGHTY voters.

I also watched some of the GOP debate WITHOUT 'The Donald' - a much more somnolent affair highlighted mostly by predictable attacks on HILLARY and a rather touching quote from the Constitution by Ben Carson (who's poll numbers have fallen drastically).

TRUMP is looking more and more likely to WIN the GOP nomination. NO ONE should doubt his serious intent now.

And the possibility of the arrogant MICHAEL BLOOMBERG entering the race as an Independent only INCREASES the possibility that 'The Donald' could become OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.