Muting the mike is a good approach. However, the choice of moderators should be changed. Each debate should have 2 moderators chosen by the candidates. The moderator chosen by the Republicans would ask questions of the Democrat. The one chosen by the Democrat would question the Republican. In addition The Republican candidate would be allowed to ask the Democrat two direct questions. The Democrat would be allowed to ask the Republican 2 direct questions.
Dims are firmly in control of these “debates”, and they will never give it up. Their MO is usually, “ we play by our rules or we don’t play at all”. They will never agree to have a moderator or format that they can’t control, or who is not on their “team” and/or promotes their narrative.