I guess it hasn’t dawned on you that debates have absolutely dominated this election cycle. And they will continue to do so. This genie is out of the bottle and cannot be put back in.
Those in the “debates don’t really matter meme” are fighting the last war. Everybody who “fights the last war” loses the current war.
Until the general election, that is. When there may be no debates, at all.
If Newt is the GOP nominee, it obviously behooves the Zero to avoid any and all debates. Clearly, he would be able to do so without any adverse criticism from the MSM.
There is no law requiring debates. Nor is there any set format -- allowing one side to negotiate...and negotiate...and negotiate...until the point is moot.