Get the popcorn and drinks ready.

The first Republican presidential primary debate will be broadcast 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.

We urge Free Press readers to tune in. We have no doubt this highly publicized event featuring 10 of the Republican Party’s top contenders will be the GOP version of “Comic Con 2016” — some believe they are superheroes, others exist in an alternative universe and many are just plain goofy.

With reality TV star Donald “You’re Fired!” Trump leading the pack in the polls and set to take center stage, literally, at the debate, we’ll let you decide who’s in which category.

Nonetheless, we believe it’s important to watch — and listen to — the candidates and what they say about policy, practice and vision for this country’s future. They are in a position to influence our lives.

Moreover, the event offers a benchmark by which we can judge each candidate as we get closer to decision time in 2016.

Already we have seen the views of some of the Republican candidates shift — even waffle — on climate change following last weekend’s California resort retreat by the Pacific Ocean held by the conservative, multibillionaire Koch brothers with five of the candidates and 450 of Charles and David Koch’s affluent “friends,” aka donors.

The Koch brothers, through their Freedom Partners network, are on the road to raising $889 million, which largely will be funneled to support presidential candidates through Americans for Prosperity and a super PAC.

This is raising eyebrows and neck hairs, particularly in Republican Party circles, because some view it as an attempt by a cadre of the super rich to form their own conservative party with their own agenda to influence candidates and policy.

For the rest of us, it’s a “watch what happens” lesson in how big, bigger and biggest money influences politics, particularly in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 debacle of a decision in Citizens United.

The decision allows outside groups, such as those run by the Koch brothers, to raise and spend money in support of candidates without having to identify the donors.

While individuals donating directly to a candidate’s campaign are limited to $2,700, there is no limit to how much an individual can give to nonprofits and outside groups that support candidates.

That’s what makes the GOP candidates so interesting to watch as they bend to the influence of the Koch brothers and an elite group with nearly limitless wealth. It holds true for the Democratic candidates seeking to become president, as well.

The New York Times reported last week that fewer than 400 families are responsible for nearly half the money raised thus far in the 2016 presidential campaign.

The latest finance records filed with the Federal Election Commission show that Republican Jeb Bush reported raising $11.4 million. Yet $108.5 million was raised by super PACs aligned with him. And just 3 percent of the $11.4 million directly raised by his campaign came from donors contributing less than $200.

By comparison, Democrat Hillary Clinton’s campaign reported raising $47.5 million, while $20.3 million has been raised by super PACs aligned with her. And 17 percent of her $47.5 million came from contributions less than $200.

These are sobering figures, particularly for the average person.

And it shows the value of actively studying the candidates and the issues, watching debates, voicing your opinion and working — really working — for the candidate who supports your views.

More importantly, it shows the value of your vote. Money may talk, but your vote speaks even louder.