Thompson agrees to three debates next month

If you've been wondering how Fred Thompson, the Republicans' newest candidate, will do in a debate against the other GOP competitors, mark your calendar for Oct. 9.

The Thompson campaign announced Monday it will participate in the Michigan Republican Party debate in Dearborn on MSNBC/CNBC, plus two other debates in October -- a WMUR/ABC debate in Manchester, N.H., on Oct. 14 and a Fox News debate in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 21.

Thompson will be closely watched in those debates by voters and the other campaigns, which have had numerous chances to hone their skills, for how quickly he can think on his feet and handle the issues.

Although the other campaigns have indicated they intend to attend the same debates, Thompson is the first major candidate to commit to all three.

--Andrew Malcolm