In 1858 an unknown Abraham Lincoln set out to prove his skill in the political ring. He set his sights on Stephen A. Douglas, a political heavyweight. They participated in marathon debates that could go on for hours.

In modern times everything is taken care of by the Commission on Presidential Debates, a nice little non-profit group created and controlled by democrats and republicans. Third parties are cut out, and everything possible is done to ensure that the two candidates don't make themselves look like complete idiots.

Lincoln was such a badass debater he once took on two Stephen Douglas's.



Wouldn't it be great if we went back to this style of debate? Actually forcing the candidates to think on their feet rather than answering pre-approved questions with answers and rebutals prepared in advance by staffs composed of pollsters, strategists, and speech writers.

Nah, we'd probably just change the channel.