Hillary Clinton Campaign Press Release - Trump Wasn't at the Latest Republican Debate—but His Ideas Certainly Were

Five times Donald Trump made an appearance at a debate he didn't even attend.

Something interesting is happening in the Republican presidential race: The closer we get to the Iowa caucus and the first primaries of this election, the harder it's becoming to tell the Republican field apart—because they're all sounding more and more like Donald Trump.

Case in point? Trump didn't have even have to attend the latest Republican presidential debate for his ideas to be center stage.

When you're not at the debate but everyone's talking about you anyway... #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/D5z8yjqP3K— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) January 29, 2016

Some Republican candidates' plans to keep America safe from terrorism came straight from Trump's playbook: Keep Muslims out.

A great question for everyone on stage. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/0C5iDDIEZF— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) January 29, 2016

Planned Parenthood? Fuhgeddaboudit.

Defunding @PPFA? Just another way the GOP candidates are all identical. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/lcjjQIl8RI— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) January 29, 2016

Trump wasn't the only one missing from the debate stage—so was anyone who would protect President Obama's executive actions to keep immigrant families together.

When they're all fighting over who's closest to your immigration position... #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/Wt3a9nmz4D— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) January 29, 2016

And Trump didn't even have to be there to win the night.

Share of convo. around GOP candidates since #GOPDebate start: -@RealDonaldTrump 37% -@TedCruz 18% -@MarcoRubio 12% pic.twitter.com/6J0UKbBzNo— Twitter Government (@gov) January 29, 2016

The Iowa caucus is just days away—don't let this happen:

Doesn't matter if Trump bailed on his #GOPDebate podium tonight—we can't let him get behind this one. pic.twitter.com/NeckKZec1A— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) January 29, 2016