Clearly skipping the debate to;
1) Avoid the embarrassment of his 2 impeachments.
2) Avoid the embarrassment of his FOUR indictments within a 5 month timeframe.
3) Avoid having to discuss his "beautiful and perfect" phone calls with Raffensperger.
4) Avoid Chris Christie.
5) Avoid having to recon with how he handled COVID policy - lamenting the shutdowns, decrying the efficacy of vaccines (until they worked, then he wanted credit for them).
6) Avoid having to defend his record as a president.
7) Avoid having to defend himself for his actions on January 6th.
8) Avoid saying something during the debate that can, and will likely be used against him in the court of law.