p.d. barnham. the time for the clowns and the acrobats and the dancing bears has passed. >> reporter: but many analysts warn the time for other gop candidates to plook trump's nomination is running out. >> you have the "washington post" with the stunning editorial about stopping trump. they feel there is some urgency would create some sort of historic rush toward them in the final days and weeks. >> reporter: history that either way will begin to play out as the republicans walk on to the stage at the university of houston in just a few hours. the former president george h.w. bush and wife barbara who live in the houston area are expected the attend tonight's debate, their first since their son dropped out of the race. jay gray, nbc news, houston. >>> well, amid national speculation, governor brian sandoval has issued a statement about the possibility of being vetted for the supreme court vacancy left by the late justice scalia. governor sandoval says in a statement i do not wish to be considered a