I hate to say this, but I think we need another "2nd tier candidates" debate

[MineralMan]

2. Well, that wouldn't actually help any of them gain enough support to matter.

While polling isn't always the most accurate way to assess public opinion, if multiple polls indicate that a candidate is not faring well, then that candidate is not faring well. An appearance in another debate won't change that.

At this stage in the primary cycle, we are almost to the point where the first events are about to be held. It's actually too late for candidates who have one or two percent in the polls to rise high enough to have any chance at all of becoming the nominee.

We had too many primary candidates from the very beginning. That meant that the most recognizable people got the most support and have hung onto that support. That was inevitable in a field that large. There is absolutely no way, now, that a candidate who has not earned much support will suddenly jump up in the standings.

That's just not how it works.