GOP takes charge of primary debates, but will changes matter?

[Geee]

Washington Examiner:

Republicans are determined to avoid a repeat of the 2012 presidential primaries, but in some important respects the 2016 primary is starting to resemble the previous race.

 

The 2012 field of Republican candidates was crowded, much like this cycle's. And much like in 2012, some seemingly strong contenders are showing a propensity to trip up that could surface during the televised primary debates.

 

The big difference is that the Republican National Committee has drastically limited the number of debates and made a strenuous effort to influence the selection of moderators and venues.

 

In 2012 the GOP held 20 debates, with ten candidates participating in at least one and several debates featuring eight or nine candidates onstage. The field was also ideologically diverse, with candidates ranging from the libertarian-leaning Ron Paul and Gary Johnson (who subsequently ran on the Libertarian Party ticket) to the establishment favorite Mitt Romney (the eventual nominee).