Good point, what about odds of any dropping out.
These debates could act as elimination rounds. With so many running, who can keep track of them all?
A poor showing, and/or major gaffe committed by any, could well end some of the 20+campaigns.
I would have done the debates ala Final 4 style. Have a random drawing to pick who debates who. There is a 24 hour turnaround for voters to cast their vote on the winner. The two remaining candidates are VP and President with the winner getting choice on which role he/she/it wants. All delegates will then throw their support behind the winning candidate. And it is an open vote so anyone can vote for their favorite whack job, I mean Democrat.