"The Democratic campaigns should take control of the process. Candidates have one bit of power in this process, and that’s the decision whether to appear in a debate. You’re Democrats — form a union! Call it the United Future Presidents or the Save Our Dignity Federation. Get together and decide on some ground rules of mutual interest: Debates will be held by serious organizations — how about a university? — moderated by serious people who will ask serious questions.
Admit the reality that having 10 people in an hour-long or even two-hour-long debate is like speed dating for a president more than a thoughtful discussion of issues. Limit the number of participants in any debate to four, and agree that the four will be chosen at random. The host university probably would be glad to have a Debate Week with a different set of candidates every night."
