GraniteGrok

Update: Drat....a no go.

Received word that Fred has declined Governor Huckabee's "acceptance" of a Lincoln - Douglass style debate.  Our friend Soren over at EyeOn08 has the news:

Hotline has the story. Apparently Fred Thompson turned down Mike Huckabee’s invitation to debate.

While I understand why Thompson wouldn’t want to do this, doesn’t this play into the narrative that he isn’t engaging in real campaigning? Especially with New Hampshire groups offering to host the debate?

Hey, I still think it would be a good idea!  I bet that some of the second tier (or lower) candidates could at least get some attention if they were to agree to do this.  SOMEBODY would air it....wouldn't they?  Or at least blog it....

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We did it for Fred - we'll do it again!

The 'Grok is looking for more reader input - fill the stumps!

The 'Grok was (and is still!) delighted to have been one of the few blogs asked to help gather questions for Fred (request here, analysis here). 

However, it looks like Fred may have received an answer to a rhetorical / unasked question:

Strafford County Republican Women and the University of New Hampshire College Republicans to Co-Host Lincoln Douglas Debate between Huckabee and Thompson. Huckabee has accepted debate challenge 
 
Stratham, NH – The Strafford County Republican Women and The University of New Hampshire College Republicans are pleased to announce that Governor Mike Huckabee has agreed to participate in a Lincoln Douglas Debate with Senator Fred Thompson. 
 
At the Seacoast Republican Women Annual Chili Fest, Senator Thompson was invited to participate in the debate and both groups are now waiting for confirmation from the campaign.
 
On Fox News Channel’s Hannity and Colmes program, Senator Thompson indicated his preference for a Lincoln Douglas style debate. On Friday, September 8, Governor Mike Huckabee accepted Senator Thompson’s invitation and suggested that New Hampshire be the location for the first debate.
 
“This debate will be a great opportunity for both candidates to present their views on issues such as education and health care and we are looking forward to hosting that debate,” said Lindsay Jackson, Treasurer of the University of New Hampshire College Republicans. 

Oooh boy, this could be good!  A throwback to the time when the candidates would travel together and literally get up on tree stumps in order to be seen and heard as they displayed their oratorical skills before the massed crowds - no holds barred!  A clash of ideas displaying the wit and wisdom of the candidates without "debate moderators".  Jes' let'em at each other!

Not that I'm a Fredhead (I have favorites, but no one person yet!), but "Go Fred Go"!  Do it! You brought it - now you gotta follow through!  I loved watching Huckabee and Ron Paul go at it - let's get those ideas and stances out on the table, er stump! 

Which got me to thinking:

What other matchups would be interesting? 

Not wishing to spoil the fun, let us know what other matchups you'd like to see, and why?

The "who" - up to you!

The "why":

Most explosive?
Most amusing?
Most boring?
Most wonkish?
Most wacked...... 

Don't stop there - make up your own reasons and likely outcomes!

BONUS POINTS - don't stop with the Republican Presidential Candidates!!!  Do your matchups with Repubs with Repubs, Dems with Dems, and Repubs with Dems. 

Heck, if this works out, maybe we'll do a Fantasy Matchup later on (a free for all).  Leave your ideas in the comments - remember to enter the word "GGcomm" at the end of the comment entry field (and don't use double quotes!) - trying to keep out the spammers but we don't want to keep you out!