Candidates who are sharp and take no prisoners and do not tolerate fools on the debate stage can also change the direction of primaries even if they themselves are not electable or able to get traction.
Think, for example, back before the 2020 primary for the dems. Kamala Harris was consistently treated (by the polls and the media) as a leading or the leading candidate to win or to be in the very top tier. But Tulsi Gabbard- an unknown gunslinger, out to make a name for herself, who tolerated no bullsh#t ended Kamala Harris's primary days. Even though she was not able to get traction for herself.
Similarly, in 2016, Chris Christie- not an unknown candidate, but down in the pack- was unable to get traction for himself but he did SEVERE damage to both Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio in the process.
If Vivek is able to make it to the debate stage, woe be unto any other candidate- either one of the big names or outliers to come- who thinks they are going to just spread tripe and drivel out as an answer to questions. Vivek will take them on a shakedown cruise mighty very effectively- even if he does not get traction himself- or even moreso if he does.
He is capable of drawing blood, bigtime. Other candidates need to watch their arses.
Now Tulsi can join my D party