What are the effects of having fewer debates in the GOP primary?

[retromike22]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_presidential_debates,_2016

Remember in 2008, how Huckabee came from nowhere because of his debate performances? And how Gingrich was resurrected multiple times? And "oops"?

Currently, there's 12 debates planned. They seem to be once a month, not starting until August but then three in February and two in March. But with less debates, won't it reduce the chances that a current second or third-tier candidate can break out? Another issue is the ability to catch a problem that a frontrunner may have. Imagine if "oops" never happened, or there weren't enough debates so that Huckabee was recognized?

[Likely Voter]

It means that money becomes more important because there are less free media events for the candidates. So the chances are higher for pre-Iowa dropouts for those who can't raise money. But with 6 debates before IA (and up to 6 after) it is still quite possible for a breakout from behind and/or a frontrunner flameout.

[IceSpear]

A lot of bored liberals.

[Maxwell]

It'll actually be bad news for Jeb Bush. Romney only succeeded because all of his potential opponents fumbled at the debates. If there is less air time for his opponents, they will have a better chance of actually taking the nomination.

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Less entertainment

[useful idiot]

I think it might actually help lower-tier candidates. In 2011-2012 a small time candidate would have a good one-off performance in a debate, become the toast of the GOP, and then fade away the next week because they did poorly in the next debate. Having one debate a month, instead of one every week, could seriously help a less well-known candidate by giving them a longer period in the spotlight.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

The only real impact I see is less possibility of an embarassing and devestating gaffe (like that infamous Rick Perry one in late 2011)

[PresidentTRUMP]

A lot of bored liberals.

This.