In an effort to gain more control over the nomination process, the Republican National Committee has placed strict limits on the number of presidential primary debates. But by doing so, party leaders are hindering their voters’ ability to adequately judge candidates and work through important issues confronting the party — and the nation — in 2016.

The current problem is rooted in a misdiagnosis of the factors contributing to Mitt Romney’s loss in 2012 and a failure to recognize how this election cycle is different. Under the RNC thinking, Romney was weakened by the debates, because they were too numerous and were too dominated by questions from the liberal media.

In 2012, there were 20 Republican debates. This time, the RNC has sanctioned nine debates (with three more possible) and there will be more involvement from members of the conservative media. Any candidate who participates in a debate that isn’t sanctioned by the RNC will be barred from any future RNC-sanctioned debates.