[justlurking]

I understand your ideas, but I still am puzzled WHY Trump would ever agree to an MSM-sponsored debate in the first place.

If he didn't, the lamestream media and the Clinton campaign (yes, I repeated myself) would cast it as "Trump is afraid to debate Hillary".

The only way to beat this is for the Republicans to present a united front, and run their primary debates properly. Several people have made good proposals, like:

• Moderator simply poses the questions, and runs the clock. The clock controls the microphone -- there's no need to interrupt the candidate, as the mike just shuts off. A college debate coach can do this.
• No questions, but simply specific topics announced in advance.
• If there are questions at all, campaigns select the questions, and they are drawn from a hat.
• No questions posed to a single candidate: all candidates have to answer the same question.
• Candidates take turns speaking first. Second candidate speaks, then first candidate gets a short rebuttal. Rebuttals would have to be eliminated if there are more than two candidates at the debate.

At the end of the primary season, the Republicans say: we are holding a debate in this manner. You can join us, if you want. Our candidate won't be attending a debate run by the media.

[PGR88]

I’m not saying ignore the debates - but rather, force forums that are equal or play to his strengths.

For example - Town Hall events, with no political operatives in the audience. moderators only call time or enforce speaking rules.

[LS]

Agree. This MUST be done by next election, and there MUST be true conservatives like Allen West, Ann Coulter, Breitbart, etx as moderators developing questions.