[VinL]

Dr. Ben Carson’s campaign. Carson, who along with Trump sits atop GOP polling, had pushed for all the GOP candidates including those polling extraordinarily low to be granted a place on stage

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Appears that Dr. Carson doesn’t really want to “debate”— he wants to give prepared remarks, and limited ones at that.

[Republican Wildcat]

Carson, who along with Trump sits atop GOP polling, had pushed for all the GOP candidates including those polling extraordinarily low to be granted a place on stage

Yet another change of position of Trump, who before has argued for fewer candidates on stage - even during the second debate itself declared Rand Paul didn't belong there because he was "number 11". Although, an understandable strategy at this point as it would limit the amount of time competitors nearer to him could speak and lessen their potential impact.

[Red Steel]

The Mannatech question is the one that got to Carson.

[LS]

Lincoln and Douglas did a combination, giving long prepared remarks, followed by long cross-examinations. So there is a place for both, but only if you winnow out some losers.