Trump, GOP rivals ready to rumble in crucial debate

By NANCY BENAC and JULIE BYKOWICZ
Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) – Donald Trump is promising a softer debate when he and his remaining Republican rivals square off Thursday night in their final meeting before next week’s all-important big-state presidential primaries. He’s also vowing to “finish off what you have to finish off” – raising questions about which Trump will show up.

Each of the candidates had an urgent mission as the Miami debate gave them a last chance to put their case to a televised audience of millions before voters in Florida and four other states dish out delegates.

Ted Cruz is seeking to cement his image as the best alternative to Trump. Marco Rubio is out to save his flagging candidacy by energizing home-state voters. John Kasich is hoping his above-the-fray strategy will finally pay off.

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