It would be interesting if we started a separate thread using this "debate" as the basis. You, Slevesque and maybe someone else could take one side and others the other side (but to be fair it should be limited to an approximately equal number).
My current comments would be:
Both sides did a crappy job.
It is not a debate in that they seemed to have paid little attention to each other.
It doesn't get down to any details of the so-called facts at hand.
It is much, much too short to be anything like a real debate. (the necessity for significant length is only one reason why this can not be conducted on stage in front of an audience)
Anyone want to jump into a modified great debate? I'd enjoy a go at it.
Great debate (and as usual) a peanut gallery would work I think.