Cain & Gingrich Set To Debate on November 5th In Lincoln/Douglas Format

They're to debate, if I understand this right, only on entitlements, with one third of the debate given to each of the big three (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid).

“We initially wanted a forum with all of the candidates,” O’Sullivan says. “But when we heard Gingrich say he wanted a more serious debate, like the Lincoln–Douglas debates, we wanted to do that, especially since watching the recent superficial debates has been frustrating.”

Organizing the event was relatively easy, he adds. “We had a relationship with Herman Cain. He spoke at our tea-party event six months ago. We contacted him, asking if he was interested in a Lincoln–Douglas debate on entitlements. Then we got in touch with Speaker Gingrich.”

As of yet no one is slated to broadcast it, but everything winds up on the internet.

Gingrich offered some advice to Cain recently -- that candidates should spend more time "knowing things."

Of course Gingrich would press this qualification, as he scores very well according to it.

But I think he's right. So does Mark Steyn, for what it's worth.

Although the advice about "knowing things" is general, he is speaking about Herman Cain specifically, and Cain's need to offer "deep answers" about the policy behind 9-9-9, rather than just offering up the slogan and talking points.

I wouldn't much like to go three hours toe-to-toe with Gingrich. Obviously the debate has big potential upside, and big potential downside, for Cain.

On the other hand, Gingrich's big thing lately is to be nice to his opponents.

posted by Ace at 04:35 PM

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