This is what CNN and the rest should do with the GOP debates

[dsc]

Divide the candidate into four groups, one of five, the rest of four. Each group gets chosen randomly. The debate lasts for 2 hours (four half hour segments). Segment 1 is group A with group B topic domestic policy, segment 2 is group C and group D topic domestic issues, segment 3 is group A with group D topic foreign affairs, segment 4 is group B with group C topic is foreign affairs. All candidates get the same amount of time on stage. Candidates get a mix of opponents.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Too complicated.

I think they should have to answer the sort of questions that might turn up on a high school civics exam, like: how can Congress override a presidential veto; what part of the Constitution controls the selection of Supreme Court justices; which Constitutional amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial - that kind of thing. If they get an answer wrong a trapdoor opens underneath them and they drop onto a chute that ejects them out into an alley.

[short circuit]

2. No. I got a better idea...

This is the DeathMatch Debate. There are three rounds.

Round 1: The Quickening

First round will give all 17 debates to answer round robin questions that should be covered on basic high school American civics/government classes. The lowest 7 answers gets removed via a hole on the ground after 30 minutes.

Round 2: How Smart are They?
Second round give only one chance to recite what they think is a current topic. Immediate tarring & feathering will be made to any mention of Clinton and given their pink slips. Each current candidate continues for the next 15 minutes.

Round 3: The Debate
Third round is the debate of issues discussed, and must stay on topic. If starting to discuss off-topic subjects, a hole will open up, and the candidate removed, followed by a sound of a large "plop" falling into inky black mess that is unremovable for at least one year. Remaining candidates that stays on topic are evaluated and scored.

Pretty sure that'll be at least 3 competent ones at the end of these three rounds or just damn lucky. But at the end, Trump's already out after the first.