Presidential Debates

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich talked about methods of improving presidential debates so that they offer thoughtful focus on the issues. He was introduced by Marvin Kalb, who had promoted the idea many years ago. Mr. Gingrich talked about a debate he had with former Governor Mario Cuomo at The Cooper Union in New York City on February 28, 2007, that was inspired by Harold Holzer and his scholarship on the debates of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Gingrich gave examples from historical and contemporary campaigns. He answered questions submitted by members of the audience. The program begins in progress.