moderator. and this grand theater, the venetian, will be filled by an invite only crowd of about 1400 guests for the big night. all this as trump's national poll numbers are reaching heights in political pundits thought they would never reach. making him a target tonight. he was also a target of protesters last night. outrage overnight during his rally in las vegas. tensions high just hours before tonight's debate of 2015. multiple protesters forcibly removed while trying to interrupt the front runner's speech. trump taking shots at his republican competition. >> the other candidates should be thankful. because i'm giving them a chance to make total fools om of themselves --