Clinton Challenges Obama to a 'Lincoln-Douglas' Debate

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Clinton Challenges Obama to a 'Lincoln-Douglas' Debate

April 26, 2008 4:57 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper and Sunlen Miller report: The Hillary Clinton campaign has challenged Sen. Barack Obama to a debate with no moderators, in the spirit of Lincoln-Douglas.

Speaking in South Bend, Ind., Sen. Clinton said, “What I think the people in Indiana deserve is a real one-on-one debate, where Sen. Obama and I discuss [the] issues. Now I have accepted the debates that have been offered, and in fact Indiana has a debate commission which organizes this to make sure it’s fair and nobody gets any special advantages. I’ve said I’ll be anywhere, anytime in order to debate, because I think the people of Indiana -- after having wandered in the wilderness of American politics for 40 years -- deserve a break. Who knows, we might even carry Indiana in the fall if we start with a good debate right here."

Clinton continued, “Unfortunately, Sen. Obama has not agreed yet, and he’s turned down every debate that has been offered. So here I have a proposition my campaign sent his campaign today. You know, after the last debate in Philadelphia, Sen. Obama’s supporters complained a little bit about the tough questions (awwwwwww heard in the audience). You know tough questions in a debate are nothing compared to the tough questions you get when you are president.”

Clinton challenged Obama, saying, “And they complained about the moderators asking tough questions. So here is my proposal: I’m offering Sen. Obama the chance to debate me one-on-one, no moderators. Just the two of us going for 90 minutes asking and answering questions. We’ll set whatever rules seem fair. I think it would give the people of Indiana -- and I assume a few Americans will tune in because nearly 11 million watched the Philadelphia debate, and I think they would like seeing that discussion. Remember that’s what happened during the Lincoln and Douglas debates. Now we have had like four debates between Sen. Obama and myself.”

Robert Gibbs, communications director for Obama’s campaign, responded to Clinton’s debate challenge Saturday afternoon in a paper statement.

"We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Sen. Clinton. Sen. Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina. Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place," Gibbs said.

Here is the letter that Clinton’s campaign sent to the Obama campaign:

April 26, 2008
David Plouffe, Campaign Manager
Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680

Dear David:
The attention, excitement and energy around this presidential election is unprecedented. The stakes could not be higher for our country and the American people. The economy is sliding into recession, our men and woman in the Armed Forces are fighting two wars abroad, and our country is reeling from the harsh legacy of the Bush-Cheney Administration. The American people are choosing a direction for their children and families. They have a right to hear from those who want to be their leaders. Our Democratic primaries reflect the keen interest of the American citizenry in this election. Our primaries have brought millions of new people into the political process and invigorated a national conversation about the best solutions to meet our challenges.

Senator Clinton believes deeply that political debates are a vital part of our democratic process. It is the American way to place our would-be leaders side by side to hear them articulate and defend their ideas; to challenge each other on their visions for the future; to answer the tough questions about their plans, their records and their judgments; and to celebrate their achievements.

enator Obama has declined the invitation from CBS and the North Carolina Democratic Party to appear for a debate at North Carolina State University tomorrow evening. Senator Obama has apparently declined the invitation of the Indiana Debate Commission to appear for a debate in Indiana next week. Senator Obama has not responded to Senator Clinton’s challenge to debate in Oregon. Will there be no debates in other upcoming states? The American people, of course, deserve more. They deserve debates before casting their votes. They deserve debates just like the states who have participated in this invigorating process before them.

I understand that Senator Obama has raised the point that there have already been more than 20 debates this election cycle. However, only four of those have been between Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. We can all agree that many important issues have received scant attention during previous debates, including such important topics as education and the energy crisis.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, a series of public debates across Illinois where two candidates put their ideas, their visions, and their values before the American people. I have no doubt that Senator Obama, who hails from that great state, understands how valuable and vital these national conversations were to the heart of America. We can surely meet the standard our forbearers did. Our final two primary candidates to date have had three fewer debates than Lincoln and Douglas held in single state over 60 days in 1858.

And if we debate, Americans will come. Recent debates have attracted record numbers of viewers – more than 10 million for the last one. And a great number of voters in recent primaries have said that the debates in their states were important to their decision.

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.”

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.

Sincerely,
Maggie Williams
Campaign Manager

April 26, 2008 in Bush, George W., Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (452)

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Please democrats -- nominate Obama. Pretty please. Then, say hello to president McCain!

Posted by: A | Apr 26, 2008 5:39:12 PM

@red, I choose not to debate you.

Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:39:41 PM

This whole process has turned into a three ring Circus. I do not know any longer if these are the clowns or the freak show out there, but it is anything but a campaign. This is begining to drive voters away

Posted by: Thinking | Apr 26, 2008 5:40:45 PM

Debates are indispensable venues through which we the voters evaluate presidential candidates. As an American, I have a serious problem with a candidate who avoids debates. If Obama does not have anything to hide, he must not be scared of any debate format. Obama's attitude is forcing me to take a serious look at Hillary Clinton or John McCaine as viable choices. Adding what Rev.Jeremiah Wright just said about Obama being a typical politician, I have serious doubts about the candidate's judgement and sincerity. I will consider voting for him if he clears all these messy and shady dealigns he had in the past before we go to the polls on May 6. Believe me, I am not the only one who feels this way in my town.

Posted by: Jim in North Carolina | Apr 26, 2008 5:40:58 PM

The only people who think Obama lost the last debate are the ones who didn't even watch it. Even the ABC News Poll on abcnews.com showed Obama as the clear winner.

It took 45 minutes before a single REAL issue was talked about. Is that what we need, wasted time not talking about the issues affecting our country? Of course Obama is going to pass up another debate like that one that doesn't focus on what America needs.

OBAMA '08

Posted by: Patrick | Apr 26, 2008 5:41:31 PM

Obama would only agree if he was allowed to have answers flashed to him on a teleprompter, or David Axelrod could give him the answers through an ear piece. Because we all know Obama is just a mouth piece for the radical left wing of the party.

Posted by: frisco girl | Apr 26, 2008 5:42:04 PM

All you Obamaheads want these 5 month old things to go away, like REV wright, or his middle name... It has just started... What are you going to do in the G.E. ?

Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:43:11 PM

This debate challenge is a very smart move by Hillary. It puts Obama in a position to either accept and quit crying about the questions he gets, or to decline and show his inability to stand on his own without a prepared speech and teleprompter.

Posted by: John Icard | Apr 26, 2008 5:44:00 PM

debate about what? get out of here hillary and get over it (your loss)

Posted by: sam | Apr 26, 2008 5:44:28 PM

Obama is in trouble big time with Rev. Wright talking to the press and that ad about Rev. Wright and Obama running in NC. There are many working-class, small town, Americans who are not happy with the Anti-American and racist remarks that have come from Rev. Wright, Barack and Michelle Obama.

Posted by: Jeff | Apr 26, 2008 5:45:26 PM

Posted by: John Icard | Apr 26, 2008 5:45:49 PM

Rookie U.S. Senator Obama is afraid to debate Hillary Clinton.

Why? Because Obama doesn't want to answer any questions about why he associated with black nationalists, communists, socialists, and other radical left wingers for his entire life.

Posted by: USmarine0331 | Apr 26, 2008 5:46:44 PM

Enough is enough, Hillary! You've already proven that you will do ANYTHING to win the White House, including lying through your teeth! Debates will do nothing for you except reveal more of your lies. It's high time you backed out with some dignity, before you and your husband lose what dignity you have left. Obama for '08!!

Posted by: Hightower | Apr 26, 2008 5:46:49 PM

lucky59,

You sound like you are a great judge of character. ---NOT

Posted by: Mike | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:22 PM

Apparently, after a lifetime of telling lies and betraying people, Hillary Clinton seems to be stuck in political purgatory. Seems she is on her way to hell. Hopefully the good people of Indiana well put her out of her misery.

Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:36 PM

Both of you need to Shut-up and sit down. There needs to be more RULES about when and how long you all can TORTURE us with this constant invasion into our heads. Stop already! McCain IS going to win anyway!

Posted by: Nails On a Chaulk Board | Apr 26, 2008 5:49:58 PM

Obama always makes his own agenda more important than the democratic election process... he refuses to let Florida and Michigan voters to vote... he now refuses to do the rest if the debates... Who is this pansy and why is he allowed to singlehandedly change the rules?

Posted by: Mysty | Apr 26, 2008 5:50:40 PM

The inquisition-type of debate like that used in Pennsylvania is not really a debate of substance. Debates should be on issues that really matter.

Posted by: NBDiaz | Apr 26, 2008 5:52:15 PM

Why in the world would Clinton do Obama any favors at this point?

Any reasonable candidate would have let go of selfish interests and did what was best for the Democratic party by now (i.e., concede).
Reality = It is a mathematical certainty that Clinton will be ahead in pledged delegates at convention time. The only way Obama wins is if the superdelegates steal it from Clintona, despite his lead (which isnt even realistic, given the obvious and serious consequences that would follow [e.g., huge backslide in race relations in America, huge defection of Democrats of any color, embarassment for America in the world community, vast elation among republicans). The Obamas (or there behind the scenes surrogates) know this and therefore are now simply trying to get Clinton swift-boated to the point of some kind of disqualification. Sad but true.

Stop the drama. Vote Clinton 08!!!

Posted by: ruthie | Apr 26, 2008 5:54:23 PM

Umbria said: Hillary wins: California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania.

SOrry Umbria, but if she didn't win her home state, it would be a shocker. She didn't win Florida or Michigan, and Texas is going to go Republican.

Posted by: Roger | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:11 PM
------------------------------------
Then why did Obama scuttle the rematch? Why did he kill the revotes? You have to be a political novice or intellectually dishonest not to concede that with it's high density of latinos/immigrants and seniors she will wallop Obama by double digits. Of all the big states Florida is one where she can beat McCain but Obama doesn't have a prayer. SO LET'S BE HONEST HERE. As simple as this:

Hillary = California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, at least 3 out of (Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania) = Coalition based on Blue or Big Battlegroud States = Presidency. GUARANTEED.

Obama: California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, some complicated coalition of other states. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT.

Posted by: Umbria | Apr 26, 2008 5:55:13 PM

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