[Blood of Tyrants]

12 is still too many. In a two hour debate each candidate would get only 10 minutes to express themselves.

[duffee]

12 is too many but the first criteria should be announced candidates, the second should be poll standings and the third should be an ability to raise money. The GOP-E will probably do whatever it takes to stop before Senator Cruz is selected even if the number of debaters is one or if the debates have to be cancelled.

[Smokin' Joe]

In a two hour debate each candidate would get only 10 minutes to express themselves.

Yep. That accomplishes two things. It cuts off time from someone like Cruz, and lets the establishment candidates repeat the same mantra over and over...

[LibertarianLiz]

I think that they should just divide it into two debates. Let the candidates pick out of a jar which they will be participating in.

It would probably have to be done the same day. Second debate participants would have to be kept in seclusion so that they don't hear the questions.

Okay, it does seem convoluted; but, what else can be done? As you say, 12 is too many.