A form of debate inferior to policy, as proved by its lack of a definition on urban dictionary. Although it varies around the country, it generally emphasizes presentation more than policy does. However, at many tournaments, the speed is
catching up to policy.
There are two types of LDers: policy LDers and traditional LDers. Policy LDers spew and read cards off computers, and lose when they have lay judges. Traditional LDers speak slowly, act politely, make eye-contact, and win only when they have lay judges.
It is named after the debates between
Abraham Lincoln and
Frederick Douglass. The topic changes every two months and usually relates to whether an action or policy is just. An LDer talks about a value and a kriterion, and cites philosophers in their scattered cards.