>> twwith the plague of rain in tampa and other parts they're not going to get t. the highly anticipated presidential debate is days away. there was a preview of sorts on monday night in new hampshire. most of the candidates showed up except the front runner. >> reporter: one by one, republican hopefuls marched across the statement at the voters' first forum and took a class photo of sorts. 14 of the 17 candidates appeared in person or remotely to give their pitch to voters. >> we talk a lot at election time. but somehow we never solve these festering problems. >> reporter: perhaps the elephant in the room was the one who didn't attend. donald trump. >> i built a great company. >> reporter: the bombastic businessman is leading in the polls with 26%. more than double jeb bush. >> protecting the homeland is