This is really a great idea, Gregory! It reminds me of some literary or cinematic trope where the chief of the tribe stays in power as long as he can defeat challengers in a one-on-one fight. (If only we lived in simpler times.)

The disturbing thing to me in this matter is people are judging on optics instead of reality. Even if we did what you suggest, people might well decide based on optics at the convention.

I remember Obama's poor performance in his first debate against Romney. That was depressing too. But I don't remember the wailing and gnashing of teeth at the level it's at now.

It seems that in just 8 years, we've regressed profoundly in our judgment as a nation. Too much clickbait news, reality tv, social media and TikTok -- and now we're living in a dream world worse than Alice in Wonderland. The quarterback throws one interception in the first half, the game is declared lost, and everyone leaves at half-time.