intelligent debate

I think you have to define the word intelligent;) This is hard because if you were really intelligent you would see that both parties usually have good points!!! I believe that debates turn sour when personal remarks are thrown in!!! (Which usually happens when people get frustrated.) I do like debates but unless your view is convincing and factually true, you will never get a Civil or intelligent debate. I do believe that Religious debates should be banned as both parties always get offended! My feelings are that belief and faith are personal and should be kepted that way!!!!

Excellent choice, except for the fact that all too often one or both of the parties is unarmed.

Could be a great way but if you disagree with me you must not be very intelligent.

(just teasing, but I had you going didn't I)

This rarely works because the reality is that one party is usually smarter (measurably) than the other and resentment sets in.  The smarter individual resents having to bargain with an inferior intellect and the slower of the individuals resents the other's superior intellect.  That's been my experience, anyway ... and I've been on both sides of the grey matter equation.

I've seen too many debates that were less than intelligent...

Debates are fine, but all too often they turn into nothing but senseless arguments; then nobody learns anything.

Takes to long.