GOP Debates: Are Republicans Letting Media Set the Agenda?

Few people doubt that standout performances by Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in the final debate before Florida's Jan. 31 primary helped both men's campaigns -- and may even have saved Santorum's.

Few doubt that Newt Gingrich's miserable performance on the same stage (he looked like he had gas most of the time) hurt his once surging candidacy.

So, there's no doubt debates are important in the Republican nominating process. But is doing them according to mainstream media rules, with mainstream media moderators, really such a good idea?

The editors of National Review don't think so.

In an excellent editorial today, the iconic conservative flagship publication explains how mainstream moderators are in a position to manipulate the questions they focus on individual candidates and how that, in turn, can manipulate voters' perceptions of them. In effect, they're helping determine Republican nominees.

It's too late for 2012, of course, but the editors suggest some solid ideas for reforming the process in 2016.

Before tonight's debate in Arizona, check the editorial out here. It's worth a look.