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Republican Party

How to watch the South Carolina Republican debate

Katie Smith
USATODAY

If your true love is politics, then Valentine's Day weekend brings something better than roses, champagne or a box of chocolates: another Republican debate.

A smaller GOP field meets for the ninth time Saturday night on the debate stage, this time in South Carolina. Why did cupid's arrow land on the Palmetto State? Its Republican primary takes place just one week later.

Here's our viewer's guide to the Valentine's Eve festivities:

When does it start?

The action kicks off at 9 p.m. ET. It'll be broadcast on CBS, and you can watch via the CBSN digital streaming network.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Where will the debate be held?

The debate takes place at the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C.

Who will be in each debate?

It'll be a six-candidate affair this time around: Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, John Kasich, Jeb Bush and Ben Carson.

So ... that means no #Gilmentum?

Sorry, Jim Gilmore fans. The former Virginia governor is no longer #StillStanding. He suspended his campaign on Friday (and, even if he hadn't, he didn't meet CBS' debate qualification criteria based on polling and Iowa and New Hampshire placement).

Who will moderate? 

Face the Nation anchor John Dickerson is the principal moderator; panelists are CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett and The Wall Street Journal's Kimberley Strassel.

This is the NINTH Republican debate? How many more are there?

There are three more Republican debates on the calendar, along with four more Democratic debates.

So what happened in the first eight GOP debates?

Quite a bit. Check out some of our coverage:

Aug. 6 in Cleveland:

The GOP primary debate: Five takeaways

First Take: Trump gets spotlight, but it might burn

Sept. 16 in Simi Valley, Calif: 

Six takeaways from the second Republican debate

After Round 2: Can you say 'President Trump'?

Oct. 28 in Boulder, Colo.: 

Six takeaways from the GOP Colorado debate

Analysis: A new and rougher phase in the GOP debate

Nov. 10 in Milwaukee: 

Six takeaways from the Milwaukee Republican debate

Punch, counterpunch ... and even policy at fourth Republican debate

Dec. 15 in Las Vegas: 

Six takeaways from the fifth Republican debate

Analysis: A combative time, a combative debate for top Republican candidates

Jan. 14 in North Charleston, S.C.

Six takeaways from the South Carolina Republican debate

Debate analysis: Smaller field, higher stakes, tougher jabs

Jan. 28 in Des Moines

Six takeaways from the Iowa Republican debate

Debate analysis: The man who wasn't there? He was.

Feb. 6 in Manchester, N.H.

Top takeaways from the New Hampshire Republican debate

Republicans candidates target Rubio in New Hampshire debate

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