Huckabee Challenges Thompson To Debate

(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."
Joy Lin

[perimogi]

You liberals that think Fred is wrong for marrying a younger wife, have you ever lambasted Michael Douglas? His beautiful wife, Catherine, happens to be 25 years younger than he is (he''s 62 by the way) Thompson is 64 and his beautiful wife will be 41 in a few days, so 23 years younger. Still got a problem?

[taturner2]

Mike Huckabee would dominate such a debate. This will show the American people that they should be digger deeper than just name/face recognition. Huckabee is a sharp debater full of substance. I doubt Thompson will accept the challenge because he realizes the truth of an inevitable defeat as well.

[freedomway1]

Fred Thompson is the real deal.

www.fredthompsonforum.com

[jharris411]

lars008 writes:
"Why would Thompson step up to the plate with candidate who, with all due respect, does not have a chance of winning? It would be realistic to debate one one-on one with someone who actually has a chance."

You say that Huckabee has no chance of winning. Do you realize that in recent Iowa and New Hampshire polls (by American Research Group), Huckabee leads both Fred Thompson and John McCain? In South Carolina, Huckabee is tied with Mitt Romney. In a recent IVR Texas poll, Huckabee was leading McCain at 13%, statistically tied with Mitt Romney (trailing 2 points when the margin of error is over 4%). In a Wall Street Journal editorial yesterday, Peggy Noonan wrote, "David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network says he doesn''t know why Mr. Huckabee isn''t in the top tier. I wonder too. Maybe he is and we don''t know it."

[tbweb]

Mike Huckabee is like a breath of fresh air in a smoke filled room. I''m still checking him out, kicking the tires and so far I really like this guy. If I had to Vote right now, I would probably Vote for Mike Huckabee. I can see why Corporate America don''t fund this guy, he''s honest and not corruptible, so of course his campaign doesn''t have a lot of money. We should elect Mike just to go up their a.s.s.!! LOL

[ih2005]

Huckabee is an adroit public speaker. He is all about calling his listeners to "do something," to awaken them to their own empowerment, and summon them to action in order that "Main Street," and not "Wall Street," will prevail in guarding the values and beliefs upon which the Republic was founded.

Huckabee puts his listeners at ease, and reassures them, articulating clear concepts in a natural, easy style (no doubt something well-cultivated as a pastor). One can easily imagine sitting comfortably with this man over a cup of coffee at the Main Street Cafe.

Most importantly, Huckabee convinces many that he is ONE with the FairTax grassroots movement. Romney''s recent WEAK response to FairTax questioning on %u201CThis Week with Geo. Stephanopoulos ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW4fa6Z_4Po )%u201D drew a sharp contrast between Huckabee and all other presidential front-runners who will not embrace it. Huckabee understands that what''s wrong with the income tax can''t be fixed with "a tap of the hammer, nor a twist of the screwdriver." That his opponents cling to the destructive Tax Code, the IRS, preserving political power of granting tax favors at continued cost to - and misery of - American families, invigorates his campaign''s raison d''etre.

[jharris411]

lars008 writes:
"Why would Thompson step up to the plate with candidate who, with all due respect, does not have a chance of winning? It would be realistic to debate one one-on one with someone who actually has a chance."

You say that Huckabee has no chance of winning. Do you realize that in recent Iowa and New Hampshire polls (by American Research Group), Huckabee leads both Fred Thompson and John McCain? In South Carolina, Huckabee is tied with Mitt Romney. In a recent IVR Texas poll, Huckabee was leading McCain at 13%, statistically tied with Mitt Romney (trailing 2 points when the margin of error is over 4%). In a Wall Street Journal editorial yesterday, Peggy Noonan wrote, "David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network says he doesn''t know why Mr. Huckabee isn''t in the top tier. I wonder too. Maybe he is and we don''t know it."

[nggr]

lars800

I''ve never seen someone so terrified of terror!
these posts reveal what a coward you are.
listen, if "islam-o-facsism" makes it to america again, see what happens.
if someone decides it would be a good idea to blow up markets and such, see what happens.
people in other countries seem to view americans like they are some fat, lazy, cowards.
well, every country has their fat lazy cowards.
most of us in america would welcome the opportunity to go from mosque to mosque and show " islam-0-fascists" how a real american defines justice.
i am NOT scared in any way of these people, let them try something, we will react appropriatly.

lars800, you are a true coward.
someone who is not afraid of these f*ckers would not post such ridiculas and obvious propaganda.
it just shows that you a re a little whiney b*tch and are completely terrified of having to fight for your life and country.
coward.

[diverinnl]

I don''''t know much about Huck from Alabama but I like Fred''''s family values.

Divorce the old hag and marry a young chick!

That''''s very compassionate conservatism!

LOL
Posted by jerr11 at 03:24 PM : Sep 09, 2007

You don''t know much about Huck at all. He''s the former Governor of Arkansas, not Alabama. If you had read the article, you probably would have gotten that though.

[jerr11]

I don''t know much about Huck from Alabama but I like Fred''s family values.

Divorce the old hag and marry a young chick!

That''s very compassionate conservatism!

LOL