Newsom, DeSantis debate tests interest in political sideshow 

(Alpharetta, GA)  --  Two of the nation's most prominent governors will go head-to-head on the debate stage tonight.  

Fox News has billed the prime time event including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom as "The Great Red versus Blue State Debate."  

The event, however, will test how much national interest a debate between two political rivals who aren't the front-runners for their respective parties can generate.  

DeSantis is no longer considered the definitive Donald Trump alternative for 2024 and Newsom isn't even a candidate for the White House at this time.  

Meanwhile, recent Republican debates have struggled to draw as many viewers without Trump on the stage.