[TexasFreeper2009]

um... this might be a huge mistake for Cain.

Gingrich is a phenominal debater... and has nothing to lose, while Cain has everything to lose and little to gain from this...

I can’t believe Cain would agree to this.

[Sea Parrot]

I can't believe Cain would either, it will not end well for him.

Unless there are some very strict stipulations in the rules Cain got put in.

[mkjessup]

um... this might be a huge mistake for Cain.
Gingrich is a phenomenal debater... and has nothing to lose, while Cain has everything to lose and little to gain from this...
I can’t believe Cain would agree to this.

Are you perhaps overlooking that Herman Cain's own skills at communication have been honed in talk radio on WSM in Atlanta? He is no babe in the woods when it comes to debating the issues, the only thing new for Cain is the heightened scrutiny he has been having to deal with, and despite some slips here and there, I think he's doing just fine.

No question that Newt enters a debate like this holding the high cards, however the absence of the MSM yakkin' instigators trying to goad one candidate against the other means that this debate should be civil if not outright friendly, it will be substantive, it will definitely be serious (no stupid questions as was posed to the Sink Emperor, 'boxers or briefs'?), and I think rather than speculate as to whether Cain or Newt have nothing to lose or nothing to gain, the more pertinent observation is (IMHO), the American People are the ones who will definitely GAIN from this discussion and debate of the issues.

I'm looking forward to this. If I was able to clear my calendar, I would try to attend this event in person.

[Mr Rogers]

I think what Cain gains is a deserved reputation for standing his ground. Newt is a MUCH better debater, and I’m certain Newt will win the debate - for the mind. But if Cain holds steady, is courteous and shows he knows his stuff, then he may win the hearts. And most vote their hearts.

[cookcounty]

"um... this might be a huge mistake for Cain."

I disagree. People are so hungry for positive substance and sick of the back-biting. The only threat to Herman would be Newt. Just being there and participating will up Herman's numbers relative to Perry, Romney, Bachmann and Santorum.

[Lady Lucky]

“If you can’t take the heat...”

[annieokie]

Think of it this way. Cain will learn by this experience, he can talk and think on his feet with nothing prepared.

Newt is not about to try and destroy Cain nor embarrass him. That is not Newts style, until he gets to Obama, then nothing is sacred.

I believe this event will expose the two real leaders going forth.

[ScottinVA]

Actually, it may be a brilliant move, as it`ll force Cain to up his game .. especially in the foreign policy arena.. against a superior debater. If Cain plays this right, he`ll gain from it.

[jpsb]

"I can’t believe Cain would agree to this."

Cain has been making a lot of mistakes, so far he has over come them (right of return, Alan Greenspan, electric fence). Newt campaign said they wanted to take a few shots at Cain and Cain gives them the perfect format to do just that. Interesting, since Cain and Newt are pretty much going after the same vote, right now Cain has mostly got those voters so Cain risks far more then he stand to gain. However he is doing everyone a favor by agreeing to debate. In that I must said I admire him.

Newt will have to be careful, if he rips Cain to hard and he suffers a backlash from Cain supporters, not hard enough and he will not win over any voters.

This will be fun to watch.

[caww]

Cain has just shown he is not timid about stepping up to any plate...this one is a huge one for Cain and you have to give him credit for standing with Newt who we all know is a master debater....it does Cain well for I don’t think Newts’s going to rip him one...he’ll play nice...and it’ll be excelaant practice for Cain...who needs to stop shooting from the hip in areas he’s week.

I somehow think Newt is going to enjoy Cain more than oppose him. He likes Cain and vice-versa. But the two will show the nation how it’s done, instead of the media enduced gotcha, banging, let me be the star sort of debates they’ve held.

[llandres]

“um... this might be a huge mistake for Cain. Gingrich is a phenominal debater... and has nothing to lose, while Cain has everything to lose and little to gain from this...I can’t believe Cain would agree to this.”

My thoughts exactly. I believe either one of them would defeat BHO in debate (and also any of the other candidates) but I really don’t like to see them go against each other. Were any other candidates invited to do this? I love Herman and he’s a fantastic thinker and speaker, but as you said, Newt’s a phenomenal debater. He’s got the political savvy AND considerable knowledge in the one area Herman needs improvement in - foreign policy. I want to see them on the same ticket, Cain/Gingrich. Just hope this debate doesn’t backfire on Herman.

And why was this article on a blog that appears to be all about Rick Perry? Don’t you think it’s weird that this debate is formulated by TX Tea Party Patriots, yet the two Texas candidates (Perry and Paul) aren’t going to participate???