Here’s my idea so far:

Central Question: What is the proper relationship between debate and rhetoric?
Petitio: What relationship, if any, do they have now?

Lead in with some of the Deborah Tannen critique of argument and debate. Posit that debate and rhetoric are distinct, and that this distinction helps them help us.

Object for analysis: Jon Stewart’s appearance on the late CNN show “Crossfire.”
Show about half of it – then the questions are:
1) What is the model of debate posited here?
2) What is the model of argument here?
3) What is the role or model of rhetoric here?