MASON, Ohio (CNN) - As promised, Mike Huckabee sent John McCain an official request Tuesday for a debate.
"Now that the race for the Republican nomination is down to just the two of us, I believe this is the time for a real discussion about our vision for the future of this great country," the letter reads. "I encourage you to join me in a Lincoln Douglas-style debate so that voters can better understand our views on critical issues."
McCain had said earlier in the day that his campaign had never heard directly from the Huckabee camp about a debate, a suggestion the former Arkansas governor has been making for weeks.
"Our Democratic counterparts, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have had recent opportunities to underscore the differences in their positions. It seems only fitting to me that Republican primary voters are differed the same," the letter continues.
Huckabee's future in the race hinges on the primaries in Texas and Ohio next Tuesday and Huckabee asked that the debate take place before then.
He concludes, "Senator, let's lead by example and get the ball rolling. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this idea and debating you in front of the American people."
– CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Yes, this guy is mostly nuts, and a little crazy.
He is also entertaining as he displays his mastery over the media and thoughtless religious idealoges.
Wow imagine the ratings on that debate....
And I look forward to watching it!
I do not understand why the democrats have had a scheduled debate, yet the Republican debate was canceled. Something sure smells fishy. Maybe Stephen Colbert had it right; I guess we are supposed to let the media tell us what we want instead of thinking for ourselves. NOT! We need a debate! If McCain does not debate, and he wins the nomination, he will be winning it not because he was the best candidate, but because he avoided a challange. That is not the brave war hero that has been promoted to us. No one running for president should ever refuse to debate the issues.
The Democrats are still debating so why not the Republicans? Huckabee, Paul and McCain have been campaigning for over a year now. Quieting their voices before the race is over would be a great disservice to the millions who haven't voted yet. I really hope this debate will take place.
Good luck, Huck.
Let the games began.
This fool believes the world is only six thousand years old, hence he is not mentally fit to be the President of the United States.
Just noticed the number of articles on each of the candidates. Obama 797? Hillary 918? MCCain 505? Romney 464? Huckabee only 312? That doesn't seem like fair reporting to me. I wonder how the numbers would be based on positive and negative spins? I'll bet the numbers would be even further off. Seems like a debate is the only fair way to somewhat balance the scale.
Is CNN going to be fair and balanced reporting or not?
This is a dangerous woman to be dealing with world leaders on our behalf. Is she going to get mad, come back here and press the button just to flex her muscles or because they made her cry? Who is going to be reeling her in during those times? Bill? God help us.
Yes, let's have at it, folks. Most of America has never heard Huckabee speak about the issues. They hear that McCain is the nominee and that's who they vote for. What a way to run an "election." What a fraud the GOP has turned out to be.
I wonder how McCain will respond. He really has nothing to gain in the Republican camp by debating Huckabee because Huckabee is such a better speaker than he is. However, he has much to gain in the general election by testing himself against Huckabee because Obama has a similar style (just with no substance to back up anything he says).
If he truly does not see Huckabee as a threat then he'll debate him. If he declines he loses opportunity for national air time and shows that he's still a little scared about what Huckabee could do.
McKing is TERRIFIED of debating Huckabee...plain and simple!
Huckabee does out debate him. McKing has one thing going for him...military experience.
Huckabee is the ONLY one that wan win against Obama and Clinton.
McKing sleep with the enemy.
The media should be PUSHING McKing for a debate. WE have a right to hear it and a right to vote.
Clinton and Obama are grabbing all the headlines with their debates. There's a real danger that McCain will fade into the background for the next few months while Obama hogs the news cycle after cycle. Republicans need some excitement too. A gentlemanly debate could only help McCain at this point.
I would love to see a debate between the two candidates. There are differences and the people are entitled to hear what those are.
Wait – Isn't it 3 republicans still running>?
Ummm....I'm sure Huck is a nicfe guy and all but... What's the point of another debate?
Give it up Huck.......you lost.
It is only fair for the states that haven't voted to see Huckabee and McCain's stance on issues. Plus, whoever hosted this debate would get HUGE ratings. It is also good for McCain and Huckabee because they will have a civilized debate and it will be a sharp contrast between Hillary and Obama. TEXAS and OHIO demand that their voices get to be heard!
It's only fair to continue the Republican debates until someone has actually won the nomination. I'm tired of it being "all Dems, all the time" in election news. The country has a right to see what issues are important to Republican voters as well.
Give Huckabee and McCain a debate. Why should voters not have an opportunity to make a fair comparison of these two men? Who is afraid here? Who is trying to control voter opinions? What is wrong with good honest exchange of ideas?
About time . . . republicans love to debate real issues!!
All the democrat stuff was getting pretty boring. How many times can they say the same thing times two!
You go Huck! The media needs to start respecting the fact that there are two Republican candidates in this race. Give 'ol John a run for his money and good luck to ya. I kinda like that guy!
grant, were you there? How do you know?
Its past time for a republican debate. The voters have had a huge diservice. Having a candidate that the base doesnt want or agree with shoved down our throat by the RNC and the media. If this is to be a fair election and not a "coranation" as Huckabee puts it, Their should of already been a debate.
We want a chance to vote, and we want to have a chance to hear the issues debated. How can we make an informed decision if our candidates cant even debate. I commend Huckabee for continuing on despite all odds fight the establishment. He is fighting for our freedom and right to have an election. I am undecided but I have to say I am impressed with Huckabees resolve. I will lose all respect for John McCain if he denies the American Voters a chance to make their own informed opinion. Lets finally get back to having an election.
Hello Senator McCain,
I too feel it is imperative that we as conservatives show the nation the differences in our most fundamental beliefs, and underscore the vast disparity in our proposed solutions for this great country. I am an architecture student at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo (a very liberal place), and I hear people even there say how deeply they want the candidates to simply talk about issues. Show them that republicans are NOT about “business as usual” by discussing our goals in a debate with Gov. Huckabee. Recently, you have been unfairly attacked by the media. This debate would help remind the people about the content of your character and forget about the lies that CNN is espousing. Please participate in this debate with Gov. Mike Huckabee and give the people what they so desperately want to see.
Yes I would love to see a debate.
Huckabee rocks.
I love this Gov. Huckabee. Keep fighting the good fight. Let the voters have a chance. Why should the democrats get all the air time, and all the debates and the republicans get disinfranchised.
I very much want to hear more of a conservative voice from our politicians and am concerned about why the scheduled debate was mysteriously cancelled. It is my hope that McCain will agree and make it happen - if for no other reason so that we can have a balance of reporting between the parties.
grant,
Your ignorance of what Mike Huckabee believes is just one more reason why this debate should go forward. Mike has never said he believes the world is only 6,000 years old. In fact he clearly stated when question by (I believe it was Bill Mahr), that he does not have an opinion of how old the world is.
Before you call someone a fool for what they believe, be sure you know what you are talking about. If you don't it only makes you look like the fool!
Oddly enough I have to agree with Fmr. Gov. Huckabee, since he is still in the race, he and Sen. McCain should be debating and giving the voters (American public) an opportunity to listen to what they say each of them is for and against.
I have never been more turned off by a candidate then with Huck. He informally misrepresents Christianity as a whole. Get out of the race!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sick of seeing your cunning face on CNN.
Another debate is a great idea. There are still many states which have not held their primaries yet. I think these voters should have an opportunity to hear the republican candidates views.
I think that an open and honest debate between McCain/Huckabee will be most revealing. For a candidate who has "claimed" the nomination, a few words with a fellow Republican on the issues couldn't hurt him. He would have to do so terrible as to loose most, if not all the remaining states. If he doesn't ante up to the table now, he will be viewed as reluctant to have an open and honest debate on the issues concerning the Republican party.
grant, the "fool" believes that recorded history is only 6000 years old. Which, if I remember my 7th grade history, that's about right.
I hope that John McCain accepts Mike's invitation to debate him.
Mike handles himself very well in debates and it would be good to see both debate each other before the March 4th primaries.
That is a very ignorant thing to say. Huckabee's belief about the origins of the earth has no bearing on his ability to be president. I think any reasonable person would agree that his political credentials are competitive with the other candidates. A debate would be great for his long-shot campaign. I think he deserves a chance to articulate his policies and make a case for his candidancy.
And quite frankly, I think he would outspeak McCain hands down.
Mike, get a life!
Grant, I would not call you a fool like you called Mike Huckabee. Everyone knows the earth is millions of years old. Get your facts straight. From Adam and Eve until the Flood, about 2,000 years. From the Flood to the birth of Christ, about 2,000 years. From the birth of Christ to the present, about 2,000 years. Hence, 6,000 years. Didn't you go to Sunday School? McCain should debate Huckabee, then you will see a very smart man.
Hey grant, you put me in the fools category for believing in creationism...But at the end i don't think a monkey is mentally fit to be a president either. Is this the reason you don't run for president?
It's about time! The Democrats are getting all the headlines. All the talk of the heated race in Texas. Hello.... there is a statistical tie in the Republican race in many of the polls. There is no nominee. It is amazing how McCain has this "wrapped up" when he still has quite a ways to go! The media influence has been unreal in this election.
Huckabee is for the Fair Tax and that is why he has my support.
Will CNN host the debate if John McCain accepts?
Finally! It will be nice to have a debate on the issues rather than McCain vs Romney (that was awful).
I know the media keeps saying McCain is going to win the nomination but he hasn't yet. Until someone does, the debates should continue so that the voters can make their choice between the candidates.
I think its sad that so many places in the world don't have the right to vote in a free election and, here in America, people are basically being told not to bother voting.
I appreciate the fact that CNN has provided coverage of all the candidates. Not only for making a choice in the primary but also for the general election.
I hope this means CNN will be broadcasting the debate?
I wondered why the scheduled Republican debate had not taken place.
I feel a debate is very much in order and may I point out that the most famous debate in history and one with far reaching consequences
was the one between Lincoln and Douglas.
It is interesting that Douglas was an overwhelming favorite at the time.
If that debate hadn't taken place would our country be united today?
Let them debate I say. Let the people decide. It seems to me Mr. Huckabee has some good ideas and is a great communicator but has largely been marginalized to this point. Let him be heard. Let's see how Mr. McCain stacks up against him.
I have a question for the all the intelligent evolution gurus out there. What is it that you believe in? What ever it is, it has to start with something. Example the big bang theory, you have two objects that collide. Where did the objects come from? Where do any of the objects that evolutionist believe in come from? Whether you talk monkeys, missing link, or what ever. What ever you believe it was that is YOUR FAITH. If your faith is in monkeys or gaseous substances so be it. I hope it works for you but don't condemn someones FAITH. We have to be tolerant of all faiths even the ones that believe that pigs will fly one day. I really don't see where evolution is a better theory than any other.
I do like to invest so try this... If the evolutionist is right I will die and get buried and the worms can have me, same as the evolutionist. but if the Christians are right and the evolutionist are wrong the Christian goes to heaven for eternity and the evolutionist goes to hell for eternity. I am not a scientist and I am not a theologian. but I do know a great deal when I see one and I don’t let my pride get in the way.
Readily agreeing to a debate requested by Governor Huckabee would be the honorable thing to do. As a republican voter, I'd love to be able to see the remaining republican nominees side by side for a debate.
No accepting this invitation would be very telling in and of itself.
Huckabee has won every single debate so far. Every top political analyst has said this as well. Mccain will lose any debate.
Huckabee is behind because Romney tried to buy the conservative vote and lost. "The vote for Romney was a vote for Mccain"
So Huckabee just has less delegates, but he is the GOP choice as a representative of the people.
McCain-Huckabee '08!!!
Hey CNN hears your chance to show your more fair and balanced than FOX.
the Dems are debating it UP!! eating up air time. getting ALL the limelight. lets see Huck and McCain have a talk. why not? the GOP has viewpoints too yuh know!!!
debate him McCain!!!
I like Huckabee! But only for comedic relief. Fold the tent and go back to Arkansas-and drag Hillary Clinton with you.
Do you think it's possible for people to lay aside gender, race, age and religious bias and actually LISTEN to the issues/positions each candidate represents? I would love to see this Republican debate. Bring it on!
If accepting to debate with Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator John McCain might not be able to get the magic number 1191. The Media has been treating Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul unfairly.
McCain is already running against Obama.
Huckabee thinks there will be a miracle.
Does anybody know where Ron Paul is?
I'm agnostic, but if I was president I would appoint Huckabee as a official white house reverend, just because he has so much personality, and he's pretty funny too.
I would LOVE to see this debate.
Too late – this is not a close race so why bother
I would enjoy a debate just for amusement. I also think Huckabee should join as a regular on SNL. He was funny.
Tell Huckanut to get out of the race. He already ruined spoiled the campain of the best candidate in the race. Now he's just being dumb.
Here we go again.....another critical spirit American again.All I hear is negative things about Huckabee.
Huckabee's supporters want to see a debate between McCain and Huckabee.We already signed a petition a week ago,but Huckabee's supporters didn't get any response from McCain.
Senator McCain
Last Debate was between you and Mr. Romney. Maybe after a debate between you and Governor Huckabee, I will become your supporter. I guess I have been blinded by Mike's charm and need to have my eyes open.
Gov. Huckabee,
First, I'd like to thank you for extending such a gracious invitation to Sen. McCain. Amidst all the negative political rhetoric in both parties, you have really separated yourself by honoring your opponents. I applaud and appreciate you for standing on principle and making politics a little more pleasant for the people.
Senator McCain,
I urge you to accept Gov Huckabee's gracious invitation for a non-media controlled debate before Mar 4, 2008. It will be a treat for all Americans (and the rest of the world) to see two honorable men debate the issues that impact our daily lives.
America preaches democracy across the globe. Let's practice what we preach. Let's model true, honorable and civil democracy to the watching world and show them how it's done.
God bless you both and God Bless America!
There is a scheduled debate on Feb.28 between McCain and Huckabee,but CNN cancelled it.We need to hear this debate before March 4.
When will Huckabee realize that miracles don't happen in politics?
Insane McCain is mentally unfit for a debate and to run the country.
What's the point? He has virtually lost already!
(Unless McCain goes down on some past scandal!)
I would very much like to see a debate between McCain and Huckabee. Since the Republican nomination has not yet been secured, voters deserve to hear how the remaining candidates differ on the issues. Thank you, CNN, for reporting on this topic. I hope Senator McCain will accept Governor Huckabee's invitation to debate.
Hey Mac ! Give Huck the Debate he is asking for, if you're so sure about yourself.
I'd like to see a debate between Huckabee and Obama, they are the only two who know how to deliver interesting answers. Their knowledge and delivery far outweigh Clinton and McCain!
Maybe Huckabee, while you are demanding a debate, you can also demand John McCain present his clean bill of health.
Wow, Gomer Pyle is still in the game? Pheeew, I guess he's got nothing left better to do other than spend good ol' campaign money flying around the country making a mockery of the GOP presidential election.
I think Huck should go back to school and trade in his "miracle " degree for a math degree.
I would love to hear what Ron Paul has to say.
Hey Grant I guess George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Reagan or any of our other ForeFathers had no right to run this country. Guess what all the GREAT Presidents believed in God. Why do you think this country was blessed in the first place. It takes more faith to believe you came from a monkey and that the earth just happened! Do not mock those that believe in truth.
Debate might make a voter decision about who or what party to vote for. Huckabee honestly seems to have gotten the short end of the "media" stick. A honorable debate is in order for all concerned.
It is early to end debating between the candidates as a more fair consensus of the final winning candidate nominee is still wanting.