[NickMPK]

This is one of the reasons why we need more spaced-out primaries. Once there has actually been voting in a few states, I think some candidates have a more legitimate claim to being "top tier" and and a better excuse to exclude candidates with no shot of winning.

It would be nice to get to hear a more in-depth discussion with just the top 3-4 candidates, without the distraction of people who really only add humor value. But before any voting has happened, I don't see how you can justifiably exclude anyone.

But now there will hardly be any time between the first primary and the bulk of delegates being awards in which such debates could be held.