(Information Via NRO ) A group of tea-party activists in Texas will host a “modified Lincoln–Douglas debate” between Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich next month. Bill O’Sullivan, the treasurer of Texas Tea Party Patriots, tells National Review Online that both candidates have confirmed their attendance at the forum, which will focus on fiscal issues.
O’Sullivan says the event, which will be held on November 5 at the Woodlands Resort near Houston, will also feature Rep. Steve King (R., Iowa) as an emcee.
In background conversations, both campaigns say they look forward to the discussion. A source close to Gingrich tells NRO that the former speaker will speak at length about his policy proposals and will, “in a friendly way,” illustrate his differences with Cain.
“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.”
“This debate is going to be dominated by the candidates going back and forth, in a respectful way,” O’Sullivan says. “It will be divided into parts, one for each major entitlement — Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid — with each candidate detailing their arguments.”
No broadcast network has agreed to air the exchange but O’Sullivan is hopeful. “These two candidates have been the most interesting people to watch in the debates,” he says. “So having them together for a modified Lincoln–Douglas debate will be great; it’ll be a real opportunity for the conversation about entitlements to get serious.” (read more)
I think this is a really bad idea. Unless the two of them agree in advance to use it as an opportunity to bash obama. The only winners here are those not participating. Was this Romney’s idea?
Both Herman and Newt are splitting the anti-Romney vote. One of them needs to take the lead…. I will vote for either of them that can defeat Romney in the primary.
Herman needs the intellectual challenge to framing his discussion points and definately can use this opportunity to hone his debate skills at the knee of a master debater.
I don’t see any downside to intellectual discussion.
Screw Romney.
These are my two top choices right now as well.
I can’t believe I am considering Newt! HAH !
I cautiously disagree. That’s a danger, but I have confidence that these guys are the only 2 in the race who would implicitly do what you say. They would keep the relentless focus on Obama. I hope.
I like the idea, the rapid fire never time to answer soundbite is dumb….
I think it can be a good thing. These two have the intellectual “chops” to put their ideas out there in detail. Anyone can speak in soundbites, it takes serious intellect to go beyond a soundbite, and flesh out your ideas. Mittens has neither the intellect nor the courage to participate in such a debate.
I love this! This is what Rush and Levin have been talking about; using this election as an educational tool to advance conservatism. Newt is a brilliant teacher and Cain is a real-life entrepreneur whose life has been an example of the American dream. This is the perfect opportunity to educate this country. Notice the topic; fiscal issues and entitlement. I don’t doubt for a second that both will be focused on BO/BS and the DemonRats and how their oppressive leftists policies have failed the American people. They both offer solutions.
This debate is right around the corner for me, I am going to try and attend.
Any other Texans nearby who want to meet up for a cocktail afterward to discuss?
I’d love to, Jenn, but too far for moi – maybe texan59 or Elvis can make it?
Jenn, you do obviously understand that a complete debriefing will be required
right? 
LOL thats cool.
I think it would be fun!
Please… not in front of the kids!!!
I have a sister in Houston. Maybe a road trip is in order. I’m not sure I could talk my dh into it though, ’cause I’ve been gone a lot the last couple of months.
Regardless, it would certainly be a debate worth watching imo !
I do hope some can meet up, but if not I will definately be offering my two cents on the debate performances.