Randall Brown: Republican playoffs solves debate dilemma
Given the number of candidates running for the Republican nomination, any debate process is bound to be both controversial and a logistical nightmare. So, a modest proposal: have candidates first compete in regional debates with the four winners going on to the finals in March, 2016.
The regionals with my (hastily formulated) seedings are:
Northeast: Chris Christie, Donald Trump, George Pataki, Rick Santorum.
Southeast: Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Bobby Jindal.
Southwest: Rick Perry, Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson.
Northcentral: Scott Walker, John Kasich, Caroly Fiorina, Rand Paul.
COnsider the advantages – greater entertainment and opportunities for office pools. But the real benefit will be greater exposure for all candidates, along with opportunities for greater fundraising. All this in the name of vindicating the wisdom of the “Citizens United” Supreme Court decision, ensuring that only rich people and corporations get to select future presidents. Meanwhile Democrats will have to settle for four lonely figures, generating nowhere near the excitement or coverage.
So join me in support of this format and rest comfortably knowing that even if you aren’t a millionaire, you can still enjoy the show
Randall Brown, Turlock
This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Randall Brown: Republican playoffs solves debate dilemma."