"IIRC, the sponsors contract stipulated that Trump be there."
If true, this is "Yuuuuge!" Got any more info on this?
I read it a long time ago and hunted for it last night. I think it was noted at the time that Trump and Mr. Sleepy-eyed asked to have the debate time shortened etc.
Both Trump and Carson were talking Boycott at that time. (Carson is the original Me2 candidate.)