Huckabee accepts Thompson's (unwitting) debate proposal - Political Forum

Sebelius for VP, not Hillary · 09-09-2007, 03:13 AM

Uh-oh, Thompson is in trouble.

Huckabee Challenges Thompson To Debate, Former Arkansas Governor Likes The Idea Of A Lincoln-Douglas Style Debate - CBS News

Quote:

Huckabee Challenges Thompson To Debate
Former Arkansas Governor Likes The Idea Of A Lincoln-Douglas Style Debate
BOSTON, Sept. 8, 2007

(CBS) Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee sent a letter this week to fellow contender Fred Thompson challenging him to a one-on-one Lincoln-Douglas styled debate.

The former Arkansas governor drafted the letter following comments Thompson made on the Fox News Channel. Thompson criticized the current process of presidential primary debates for not being "designed to illuminate people's thoughts, feelings." "I kind of think that Newt's idea of going back to a Lincoln-Douglas debate type format where you have two people sit down or stand up ... and discuss one particular topic in depth, and go back and forth about it," the former Tennessee senator said, referring to a proposal by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

"I share your view of the debates and agree that Newt's 'Nine Nineties in Nine' concept is a far better way to make sure America's next President has the character and capacity to lead our nation forward, that's why I have already signed that pledge," Huckabee wrote in his letter to Thompson. "I agree that what is needed is a real discussion by the candidates about their vision for the future of our country."

Huckabee, a Baptist minister, said an in-depth discussion on topics such as health care, education, energy independence, terrorism and national security would help the public decide which "candidate has the right vision for America's future." In an interview with CBS News following his address at the AARP convention in Boston, Huckabee said, "I'd be more than happy to accept his offer. I'd love to be in a debate like that and I'm hoping that he'll let me know when and where." Huckabee suggested that the first debate be in New Hampshire.

Asked if he thought he would win, Huckabee said, "I don't know, but I think the American people will win if we have that kind of discussion where we really spend that kind of time in depth on issues."

I think Thompson was just talking out of his ass, trying some political maneuver to avoid the GOP debates for whatever reason (elevating himself above his competitors perhaps). Huckabee called him on his rhetoric though. I suspect Thompson will not accept his offer as that would only allow Huckabee to pick up steam as the "true" conservative.

jaan · 09-09-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W.E.B. Du Bois

Uh-oh, Thompson is in trouble.

I suspect Thompson will not accept his offer as that would only allow Huckabee to pick up steam as the "true" conservative.

Let's hope Huckabee doesn't come out as racist as Lincoln was in all of his debates with Douglass.

apawllo · 09-09-2007, 11:44 AM

Well played Huckabee. Too bad it won't happen....Thompson would be exposed as the moron that he is and Huckabee would be revealed as one of the GOPs top candidates.

Alun · 09-09-2007, 02:40 PM

They'd both look like idiots if they had to talk for more than 5 minutes on one issue without a prepared speech.

patriotsblade · 09-09-2007, 04:25 PM

I'd really like to see this happen. Huckabee would make short work of Thompson. Although I disagree with everyone of Huckabee's positions, at least he's consistent. He trumps Thompson easily in the likability factor. If he were to become the GOP nominee by some fluke, it would give a true contrast of positions to the voters. A true conservative vs. a true progressive (Clinton, Obama or Edwards.) After 8 years of Bush's 'compassionate conseratism' I think America has had her fill and that will be reflected in the general election.

The problem with the GOP front runners is that they all have a history of being social liberals and now want to pander to the conservative base. Giuliani, Romney, and even Thompson seem to be all over the place on some issues.

superdude17* · 09-09-2007, 04:52 PM

who cares..../me yawn...

huckabee is a snoozer as is thompson

Alun · 09-09-2007, 05:11 PM

I don't think it has anything to do with being Republicans, I just don't think our politicians are great political thinkers. Without the protection of time limits and abrupt topic changes, I'd bet that almost all of our public figures would make fools of themselves; they have plenty of practiced lines, but those are only good to shoot back at a question, not string together coherently in an improvised discussion of policy. Hell, plenty of politicians can't even make a good show when they're being asked straightforward questions; I can't imagine anyone going in-depth on an issue.

Alun · 09-09-2007, 07:41 PM

Maybe I'm too cynical then; I don't suppose you can think of a particular example?

Alun · 09-09-2007, 08:58 PM

I'm not saying he's incompetent, I'm saying he's not used to having a Lincoln-Douglass style discussion with an opponent, just as I wouldn't expect many of our national politicians to be.