DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican presidential candidates strained to take advantage of a rare opportunity to step out of Donald Trump’s shadow in Thursday night’s presidential debate, after mocking the front-runner for boycotting the final contest before voting begins.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is seen on the television large monitors during a Republican presidential primary debate, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)