Several years ago, Newt Gingrich cited the Lincoln-Douglas debates as a model for contemporary presidential debates. In each of the 1858 exchanges, the first candidate spoke the 60 minutes, the second responded for 90, and then the first had a 30-minute rejoinder. That format obviously appeals to Gingrich: as a former college professor, he is at his best when giving extended lectures. Tonight’s debate must be frustrating for him. With only 60 seconds to answer a question, he has a hard time distinguishing himself from the six other candidates on stage.