[Copyright © 1958-2004 USPS.] The modern version of the
political debate has changed the traditional debate in the same
way that the modern political convention has forever changed the
traditional political convention. In both cases, it's not so
much a triumph of style over substance as it is the triumph of
fear over courage. Neither candidate, especially an incumbent,
wants to risk floundering, appearing unknowledgeable or just
plain inept with off-the-cuff responses. Some of the politicos'
concerns are understandable, but what a loss for the voter. It's
a shame that presidential debates weren't incorporated into the
U.S. Constitution - then again our Founding Fathers were
politicians. The last great debates were probably the 7 Lincoln-
Douglas Senatorial Debates of 1958, at the very least they set
the standard, which no one has reached since. The History of
Lincoln Douglas Debate In 1858, Senator Stephen A. Douglas, an
Illinois Democrat, faced a reelection bid. The Republican Party
in Illinois nominated Abra