Newt has proposed that for the 08 election, instead of old style debates, candidates have a series of one-on-one weekly 90 minute discussions.
On the surface, the idea seems very attractive. It would give voters an opportunity to see the candidates unscripted, unhandled and off-the-cuff. It could do more to diminish the power of big money than anything else I can think of.
What are the drawbacks?
First the potential of a slip-of-tongue gaffe that could determine the election would always be a possiblity.
The second drawback is how self-serving this proposal would be to Newt if he runs. This is the kind of forum that Newt would excel. For instance, about a month ago I saw Newt on a show with Biden as his opposition. It seemed like every Biden response began with "I agree with Newt". Newt can spit out "facts" that on the surface sound believable enough that one would be reluctant to dispute without access to research. While I think Newt vs Gore, Richardson or Kucinich would be political discussion reaching a depth that we have never seen before, Newt vs any of the three carefully handled frontrunners would be disaster for Dems.