Our country faces overwhelming challenges. Each requires swift and effective action, not a debate-stage food fight among bottom-tier candidates in the Republican primary.

Each day, Americans see a humanitarian crisis at the border, a deadly crime surge, budget-busting inflation, soaring fentanyl deaths and a president who gets lost on stage as China and Russia plot against him.

Given our plight, and the parallel drop in consumer confidence, the electorate wants viable solutions to take back America and make her great again. Average Americans – people who don’t immerse themselves in politics full time – want solutions, and they don’t care which party delivers them.

One might hope Americans could look to the Grand Old Party for solutions, given their recent experience with Democratic control of the White House and one branch of Congress.

Wednesday’s debate should have left voters with inspiring ideas and a dilemma regarding which candidate is best. Instead, the debate was so low rent it made an absent Trump seem within reach of normalcy.

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Throughout the night, candidates talked over each other, name called and basically created an unsightly affair few look forward to seeing again.

Each candidate can take a share of blame, but only the Republican Party can regulate the circus. It must host future debates with a structure and vibe less like reality TV and more becoming of the White House.

At this point, crowded debates are too chaotic for a country desperate to lower the drama. Wednesday’s display appeared needlessly goofy.

All seven on Wednesday offered similar, traditional Republican platforms on key issues. The party’s only job at this juncture is to help Republicans choose a likable and electable – key word “electable” – candidate who will inspire with vision followed by actions and results.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie inspired and entertained few, if any, by nicknaming former President Donald Trump “Donald Duck.” It fell flat. Maybe Christie didn’t get the memo, but audiences like the cartoon duck. By playing the duck card, Christie looked like a wannabe version of Trump – the master of derogatory branding. Given a choice between two tristate bullies, voters will choose Trump as the evil they know.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a self-funded billionaire, appears dignified and knowledgeable – just not electable. He did himself no favors by interrupting and demanding more attention from moderators.

Like Burgum, former Vice President Mike Pence appears dignified and becoming of the office. But the party must acknowledge his low prospect of success. Sadly, flamboyance means more in modern politics than staid elder statesmanship.

Vivek Ramaswamy, also a self-funded billionaire, exudes self-confidence and adores the camera. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and others on stage have exposed Ramaswamy as politically feckless with much to learn about public policy.

If Republicans want to win, they will limit the field for a third debate in November. The party could and should produce a standoff among three viable Trump alternatives, including:

? Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a war veteran and scholar who worked his way through Yale and Harvard Law School with a good record for his pandemic leadership.

? Haley, an astute political insider with a high acumen for politics foreign and domestic.

? South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, an affable man who grew up in poverty under the tutelage of his single mom and scrapped his way to success.

? Trump, if he will participate.

Candidates blasted Trump for not showing up Wednesday. While lamenting this fact, those on the crowded stage appeared so desperate for a breakout they made Trump seem almost normal.

If Republicans want to preclude another Biden term, they will stop with the come-one-come-all debates. Limit these shows to four candidates with the best odds to win: DeSantis, Haley, Scott and Trump.

Colorado Springs Gazette Editorial Board