article_snippet: It was a drama of sorts, even though no knock-out punches were landed.
article_snippet: All of this has made the whole process of nailing down precisely who will be allowed in the debate that much more tortuous.
article_snippet: For the big leaders who drive that conversation, it is about how each outlier can help the big leaders who drive that conversation -- and hinder the big leaders who drive that conversation rivals.
article_snippet: But do it soon -- I hear that even those everyday raucous exchanges are being scrutinized for being a bit old-fashioned.
highlights_snippet: But factional politics and arguments about who is invited may derail a TV debate .