TRANSCRIPT: Hillary Clinton Calls For
Lincoln-Douglas Style Debates
Hillary Clinton made the following statement today at a “Solutions for America” event in South Bend, IN calling for Lincoln-Douglas style debates.
“But what I think the people of Indiana deserve is a real one-on-one debate where Senator Obama and I right there in Indiana discuss these issues.
“Now I have accepted the debates that have been offered, and actually Indiana has a debate commission which kind of organizes this, makes sure it’s fair and that nobody gets any special advantage. 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 forty years deserve a debate.
“Who knows, we might even carry Indiana in the fall if we start with a good debate right here.
“Unfortunately Senator Obama has not agreed yet and he’s turned down every debate that has been offered. So here I have a proposition and my campaign sent his campaign a letter today. You know, after the last debate in Philadelphia, Senator Obama’s supporters complained a little bit about the tough questions. And tough questions in a debate are nothing compared to the tough questions you get asked when you’re president and you have to answer them and make tough decisions. And they complained about the moderators asking tough questions.
“So here’s my proposal – I’m offering Senator Obama a 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 that it would give the people of Indiana, and I assume a few Americans might tune in because nearly 11 million watched the Philadelphia debate, and I think they would love seeing that kind of debate and discussion.
“Remember that’s what happened during the Lincoln-Douglas debates. We’ve had four debates between Senator Obama and myself. That’s all we’ve had since this whole campaign has gone on, we’ve had debates when other candidates were in, but just four between the two of us. Lincoln and Douglas I think had something like seven or maybe even eight debates in the space of 60 days, traveling around Illinois just standing there debating. I bet John Bratemus probably knows all the facts and probably could quote what each of them said.
“I think that would be good for the Democratic Party, it would be good for our democracy and it would be great for Indiana. So I am hoping that we’ll be able to get that scheduled and hold it before the May 6th primary. Because I think this country is sure worth debating about its future. I think the issues we face are sure worth discussing. I want the American people to be part of that discussion.”
The Corner
I Think Hillary Clinton Wants to Debate Newt Gingrich (Maybe They Can Get a Show Together After the Election?)
Recommended

Biden Signs Executive Order Allowing the U.S. to Fund Global Abortions
The policy was first instated by President Reagan to ensure that taxpayers would not be required to indirectly fund abortions in other countries.

The Absurd Criticism of Rand Paul’s Rachel Levine Questioning
How likely is it that this dangerous ideological agenda is about to get worse?

Exclusive: 48 Senators Promise to Oppose Any Bill that Funds Abortion
Pro-life lawmakers pledge to resist spending bills that don’t include the Hyde amendment.

Cruz: Actually, It Is Constitutional to Impeach and Convict a Former President
Never mind how he voted.

What Happened to Officer Sicknick?
Democratic impeachment managers have a duty to explain how Officer Sicknick died.

Minnesota Nasty
Minneapolis is a nice city no longer.
The Latest

LA Teachers Union Condemns School Reopening Deal as 'Propagating Structural Racism'
The deal includes $2 billion for schools that reopen various grades for in-person learning by the end of March.

Dear Congress: Bringing Back Pork Would Be a Disaster
A proposal to bring back pork-barrel earmarks should be sent to the slaughterhouse.

Wait Just One American Moment
A new organization’s complaints about conservatism seem somewhat disingenuous — and self-serving.

Why a $15 Minimum Wage Would Hit Parents Hardest
A new report finds that the Democrats’ wage hike would affect a crucial expense for many working families: child care.

For the Love of Country, Pull Back from the Brink
The future of conservatism, and the nation, depends on coming together and restoring faith in the American story.

Alzheimer’s Be Not Proud
It takes away so much. But our personhood is so strong that the disease, even in its late stages, can’t fully extinguish the human personality.