The Cain-Gingrich debates should be welcomed not undermined

We learned in recent days that Texas Governor Rick Perry is to skip some of the up and coming Republican Party debates, citing a busy campaign schedule. Of course, this excuse and Perrys decision to suggest he may be pulling out of future debates, has basically taken the momentum out of his tax plan announcement earlier in the week. Perrys debate performances have been far from convincing and rather then try and run away from them, he shouldve been embracing the debates. Perrys decision will lead to suggestions that he cant handle the spotlight on the national stage and ultimately, if he cant take the pressure in the primaries, he has no chance of beating President Obama in head to head debates in any general election race. It is a poor decision by Team Perry and despite his massive war chest; it is another bad mistake in a campaign that promised so much at the outset. In stark contrast, we have former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain embracing debates, in what I believe will be truly outstanding nights, for any potential audience member. These two men are not afraid to talk about the issues, which I believe is the primary reason for their strong showing in the polls. They have abided by the Republican 11th Commandment mantra of former President Reagan; thou shall not attack a fellow Republican. Perry has spent so much time attacking Mitt Romney and in turn, Romney has been dragged into a number of retorts, resulting in both mens campaigns suffering. What I love about the idea of the Gingrich-Cain debates is that they promise, they will follow in the tradition of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, prior to the American Civil War. If you havent taken the time to read these debates and seen for yourself, what brilliant orators these men were, then my suggestion is make the time. People have already criticised that cost of admission to these debates, well I say firstly, the cost is largely due to the fact that they will not be televised at the time of writing. Secondly, is the cost justified? Of course, here are two men taking historic steps towards the highest office in the land and they are prepared to lay out their ideas and solutions to the very real problems America faces both domestically and abroad. If I could get a ticket, Id be on a plane to Houston, Texas, for November 5 absolutely. I dont see how people can complain about tickets starting at $200 upwards when elsewhere, people are being charged $38,500 just to have dinner, and it strikes loudly of double standards. I think both men have come to symbolise where the 2012 race will be won or lost, as a candidate, do you have the ideas, solutions and ability to address Americas very real and urgent problems. I dont expect any person in this modern world to be without fault however, what I do expect is someone to recognise what the issues and problems are, and be prepared to offer solutions and not afraid to discuss them. Both Speaker Gingrich and Mr. Cain have both spoken about every issue put in front of them more then any other candidate perhaps, this is why people are listening to them and starting to take notice. They dont want the usual rehearsed and scripted answers which is put forward by other candidates; they want honest, simple, straight forward plain speaking on the following basis, This is what I will do as president. The CainGingrich debates will focus on steps to rein in government spending and fix Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. These issues will be at the very core of the challenges the next administration faces because like it or not, they need to be addressed and reformed to ensure their

very survival and bring Americas bulging National debt under control. Cain & Gingrich unlike all the other candidates are prepared, to charge into a debate on these issues because, there seems a transparent unwillingness and reluctance, Rep. Paul Ryan aside, to face or even discuss the inevitable. It is a very brave move and both men have proved themselves eloquent speakers. The debates on television are set-up for good ratings, not for good substantive answers and a crowded field does not assist in this respect either at present. I congratulate both men for being prepared to step into a longer substantive debate and put the meat on the bones so to speak, what I mean is enable those present, be it media or general public, to learn more about what they are proposing on some very controversial areas. Their will be many detractors who will try and attack this bold move by two candidates trying to mount a serious challenge for the GOP nomination. I think it is a fantastic idea and rather then have their campaign teams and advisors trying to protect their every step, they are setting a bold and I believe very welcome step for future presidential races. Voters are entitled to know what their candidate really has to say on the issues in substantive form, not a masterfully crafted and marketed candidate who is sold to them through the media. These are serious times for serious candidates, if these men are prepared to rise to the challenge and openly discuss real ideas and real solutions, I say bring it on. It is something that should be encouraged not undermined. If both men have the right solutions by adopting and embracing this format and educating the voters, they will have earned the right to win the party nomination come 2012. I always say, I admire substance over style ever time. Well done to both men.

Tags: Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Republican Party, Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, American Civil War, Paul Ryan, Debates, White

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