Romney Declines Lincoln-Douglas Debate Against Gingrich

Real Clear Policitcs ^ | 12/2/2011 | Erin McPike

[Notwithstanding]

With the Republican presidential primary appearing to have narrowed into a two-man contest, Human Events and Red State moved quickly to lock down a date for a Lincoln-Douglas-style debate between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.

The two organizations went so far this past Monday as to firm up the Annenberg Theater at the Newseum in Washington as the venue on Dec. 19 after another debate originally scheduled that day was canceled. For its part, the Newseum was excited to host the pre-primary forum.

There was just one problem. While Gingrich was ready to take his place on the stage, the Romney campaign politely declined in a series of mostly e-mail exchanges.

As Joe Guerriero, a Human Events editor, put it to RCP: “Newt was all over it, and the Romney camp basically said no. It wasn’t a harsh no, but it was a no.”

[Doctor 2Brains]

Romney’s not quite so dumb as I thought.

[katiedidit1]

What is Romney afraid of?

[2ndDivisionVet]

More like Pee Wee Herman and Jim Norton debate.

[annieokie]

Maybe Romney could send his boy Chris Christi to debate Gingrich.

[PALIN SMITH]

Spineless Rino versus Grizzley Gingrich

[Hugin]

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Myth Romney. Two faced, speak out of both sides of his mouth with fork-ed tongue flip-floppin' RINO SOB.

Smokes Hopium, too.

[katiedidit1]

LOL!!!!!! annieokie, only YOU could come up with such a great comeback:)

[Notwithstanding]

Yes - he is very wise
to let people wonder whether he would get stomped in a debate against Gingrich
than to
actually participate and get stomped!

[Da Coyote]

RINOmney’s perfectly lubricated zero-friction weather vane wouldn’t have had a chance against Newt’s blast-O-words.

Not that I’m particularly a Newt fan...but I just cannot stomach a man that has managed to come this far without ever encountering an idea that he feels strongly enough about to defend.

Even the Cretin-in-Chief supports ideas. (Dumb ones created by intellectual weaklings that have never worked...but they are ideas nonetheless.)

[katiedidit1]

IF Romney is afraid to debate Newt...how will he deal with congress and leaders of foreign nations. Got have some backbone here...the man is a whimp

[apillar]

Because he knows he would get his a$$ handed to him. Romney is not a bad debater, but Gingrich has been, by far the most capable debater since the first debate. Despite his "baggage" he is quite adept at thinking on his feet.

I'm guess the Romney camp plans to use the tactic that worked so well for them on other candidates. That is to ignore them in public, and turn the smear machine into high gear behind the scenes.

[GOPyouth]

What is Romney afraid of?

The same thing Gingrich would be afraid of if Romney challenged him to a discussion on the importance of marriage vows and being faithful.

[TexasCajun]

You're a RINO!

NO! You're a RINO!

You're a flip-flopper!

NO! You're a flip-flopper!

I'll be the nominee!

NO, I'll be the nominee.

Maybe the cancellation is a good thing.

[Vigilanteman]

So what do you think Zer0 will do if the general election comes down to Newt vs. Zer0?

Maybe Zer0 could challenge him to a pitching contest to see who throws most like a girl.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Newt would murder Romney in a debate and Romney knows it. If Newt gets the nomination, he will get the same response from Obama.

[katiedidit1]

Newt would not attack Romney ..Newt would respond to the questions. On the other hand..Romney would need some “depends” on his rear.
Newt is not afraid of such questions and has appeared on Fox news and other television shows honestly responding. He also has the letter from his daughter on his site and answers all attacks in full.
If voters want a man that is running on social issues and a true social conservative..Santorum would be leading in the polls

[Diogenesis]

[ridesthemiles]

an opposition candidate with a brain.

Romney isn’t as smart nor as quick as HE thinks he is.