Since the Dems control the MSM who will moderate them, I don't have the slightest doubt that there will be debates, probably two. Newt is talking about 7 debates Lincoln-Douglas style. Never happen.
What I remember is that Jimmy Carter REFUSED to debate until the very last minute. He thought he shouldn’t have to as the incumbent, and no one could make him.
He only agreed to one dabate, in October, fairly late, because his internal polls showed he was sinking and he was desperate. If he had had a comfortable lead on Reagan, he wouldn’t have done it.
And while I agree that the MSM will run the debates, no one can make Obama likable, and he is very bad at impromptu speaking. I don’t think he will take the risk unless he is desperate.