These aren’t “debates”. They are the stupid Right letting the Left run the Right’s show. They are all about the “moderators” showcasing themselves and figuring out how to make the GOP candidates look bad.
The smartest thing for these candidates to do is to not go to the Left’s show and instead run their own show with a format that is actually a debate - each candidate discussing and debate the same subject at hand and the moderators out of the picture.
Yes, something like a list of issues that the debate will be about, and then a statement by each candidate about their position on each issue. Then a time when one candidate can address another candidate about their position, and then that candidate has time to respond. Then move on to the next issue on the list. There is only need for a moderator to keep track of time and ensure decorum.