Yes....what you said....most Americans don’t understand “federalism”
The debates are a “beauty Contest” —Nothing of note will be done. They may well be setting up Trump to get him to say something stupid to use as a sound byt to run over and over again like the “I like people who were not captured” .
This debate is to show if the people “look” presidental. How they interact with media and each other—all they need is a swimsuit competion. Miss America Pagent might be the best comparison. My advise—BE BOLD! say something that will get you noticed in a good way. Dump on Hillary/Biden—Dump on Planned Parenthood baby killers, Dump on racism and Black lives matter, Dump on Irandeal, ISIS and the border. Cute one liners work too.