Republicans Gingrich and Huntsman to hold epic debate

Can Mr Gingrich, right, and Mr Huntsman, centre right, live up to the historic debates between Lincoln, centre left, and Douglas, left

Republican presidential hopefuls Newt Gingrich and Jon Huntsman plan to hold a debate styled on the historic 1858 tussles between Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas.

Their campaigns say the debate, to be held on Monday 12 December at St Anselm College in New Hampshire, will provide a detailed exploration of their positions and views for the country.

But are they, the voters and the media capable of an intelligent, detailed debate akin to the 21 hours of speeches and argument Lincoln and Douglas made in 1858?

The 14 Republican debates held so far in 2011 have featured several game-changing moments. They have bolstered Mr Gingrich's candidacy, ended Tim Pawlenty's, and seriously diminished Rick Perry's chances (oops...)..

But the debates have shed less light on the candidates' actual policy positions and on their values, while the moderator-dominated soundbite-ready formats have provided few opportunities for the candidates to challenge one another.

Here is a look at what to expect when perhaps the two most intellectual candidates go head-to-head:

What were the Lincoln-Douglas debates?

How did those debates differ from 21st Century debates, including those held since May by Republican candidates?

Newt Gingrich, left, and Jon Huntsman, right, both stand to gain from the debate, analysts say

What were they arguing about?

Lincoln, shown at the podium, lost the election but was elected president two years later

Are Mr Gingrich and Mr Huntsman really going to talk for three hours?

So what's in it for Mr Gingrich and Mr Huntsman?

What are the potential pitfalls?

Will voters watch on Monday?

So who won the Lincoln-Douglas debates?