This is from Maggie Williams:
http://thepage.time.com/...
Senator Obama himself suggested the last debate in Philadelphia did not provide enough opportunity to talk about issues that "matter[] to the American people." A Lincoln-Douglas style debate would certainly provide that opportunity. There would be no questions from the media. There would be equal time and equal opportunity to grapple with the important policy questions we are facing today. As Douglas put it, the two candidates would meet "for the purpose of discussing the leading political topics which now agitate the public mind.".
We deserve better debates in this country.
In the spirit of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, we make this proposal:
Senator Clinton and Senator Obama will participate in a 90-minute debate in an open public forum. Just the two of them — no questioners, no panelists, no video clips. One candidate would speak for two minutes, then the other, alternating back and forth all the way through the debate. Their discussion – not any pre-set rules – would determine how long they spend on one subject before moving on to another. Such a debate would range across all of the challenges, large and small, we face as a nation or it could focus on the most significant issue we face today, — the economy.
We can readily agree on a host, a place, a date, and a broadcaster or series of broadcasters.
Both of our candidates are making history. Let us continue to do so. Let’s debate.
I'm a big-time Obama supporter, but I think this is a fantastic idea and I think Barack should accept it. I think both candidates would thrive in that kind of debate environment, and I don't care if none of the networks want to air it. Put it on CSpan and Youtube if you have to. That's exactly the kind of debate that we've needed this entire election, and it would show up the complete ethical and intellectual bankruptcy of the ABC debate.
It would also give both candidates a chance to be seen at their best and would help to turn back the negativity that's been building on our side.
Even though I think Barack has the nomination locked up and doesn't need to debate her, I think he should do this anyway. And hopefully again in the general against McCain, if this was successful.