When the RNC first announced their 2016 plan to hold a limited number of debates with friendlier networks and GOP-leaning moderators a lot of Democrats were upset and felt the GOP was once again cooking the books. Others of us knew this was going to backfire gloriously.
Limiting debates with such a crowded field only ever meant candidates would be vying for big moments and attention more aggressively than if they knew they had another debate right around the corner. It meant that the establishment candidates would have less of an opportunity to wait out the crazy and ride in on their white horse to save the day as Romney did. It also meant that candidates would be forced to stake out the furthest right positions early on and stick to them. All of those things are exactly what has happened so far.
Now there are only two more debates before the Iowa Caucuses. With all the whining and complaining about moderators thereās a real possibility there may be some kind of revolt that will give candidates cover to boycott one or both of those debates. That could decimate the establishmentās chances of fielding a candidate of their own. They could very well go into NH with Trump or Carson claiming victory and bragging rights for having won IA a few days prior and thus setting the tone for NH. Either way, this looks really bad for the GOP.
Iām morbidly curious about just what kind of debate and how many the candidates could actually agree on. By my reckoning so far, it has to be substantive but not too specific, have enough time for everyone to have their say but not too long, and there have to be more but not too many.
By all means, mix up the losers and roll the dice. How much more damage could possible be done? Speaking as one of the second tier who is polling - l%, you wouldnāt be trying to just help yourself, would you?
I suggest that the RNC suspend all debates, primaries and their convention. Run a mystery candidate in the general named āNone of the above previously mentioned in one of our Clown Car debates.ā That might poll better than Romney ever did.
By jove, I think youāve got it! Run an āUnknown Candidateā like the old Gong Show, wearing a suit, white shirt, w/ a brown paper bag on his head. Heāll be schooled to just give the GOTP pat answers to any questionsā¦then, we he leads in the polls on the night of the nomination at the convention, rip off the bagā¦ and voila! Hereās your guy! Although āFantasy Candidateā might be a better moniker.
