Sadly, you could also title this article “The Most Important
Questions That Need to be Asked.” Today, our debates are merely
a stage upon which candidates can exchange quips or attempt to
act presidential. Most important issues are never discussed and
those mentioned have little depth. Before we list some of the
questions that should be asked, a brief history of national
debates is required. When historians cite the classic debate
style, they are usually referring to a series of US Senate
debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. In that
case, each debate was typically three hours long, with the
candidates delivering lengthy policy speeches. While three hours
was the norm, in at least one instance in 1854, Lincoln and
Douglas debated for a total of seven hours. Douglas went first,
delivering a three-hour policy speech, followed by another
three-hour speech by Lincoln. The debate concluded with a
relatively brief one-hour rebut from Douglas. These debates were
closely read throughout the nation and