How about doing something similar to the March Madness brackets. I’d have initial debates with 4 candidates picked at random. Let the top 2 from each debate advance to the next debate until they are down to 4 candidates.
... or something similar to this. That way the kooks get their chance, the networks get their ratings, etc.
Sure, sounds sporty...
But the media and establishment will not allow anyone to enjoy this process either...
All part of the plan...