Lindsey Graham discusses the third Republican debate on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.' Lindsey Graham rips RNC for 'micromanaging' debates

The Republican Party is quickly becoming the "loser" of the 2016 presidential cycle and the Republican National Committee's efforts to improve the debate process is actually doing harm, Sen. Lindsey Graham warned Thursday.

"I think the Republican Party is becoming the loser here. We've got talented candidates. The process is not bringing out the best in the party. The RNC is trying to correct the last cycle's problem of too many debates. They've overdone it. They're micromanaging the process," Graham said in an interview on MSNBC. "I don't think the RNC could run a one-car funeral. This is getting pretty bad."


Graham, who participated in the undercard Republican presidential debate hosted by CNBC on Wednesday evening, suggested that there should be two separate debates that aren't determined by polling.

"Why not have two tranches? You know, you've got a lot of talented people. I don't think I'm an undercard candidate when it comes to national security or trying to fix problems like the debt, where I'm willing to do revenue and Democrats will means-test and age-adjust. So just break it into two groups, have five -six -seven in each group. You'll get a better debate," Graham continued. "This micromanaging, trying to knock people out based on national polls is hurting New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina."

Graham added that questions asked at the CNBC debate like one to former Florida governor Jeb Bush on fantasy football aren't nearly as important as how candidates would handle terrorism.

"Our national security's in free fall," Graham added. "Without national security there is no economic security. That was completely left out from last night."