An Alternative to Presidential Debates

I would like to see a presidential essay contest. You put all of the candidates in study carrels so they can't crib off each other, give them pencil and paper (or, if you are really generous, a word processor NOT connected to the internet so they can check their grammar and spelling and compose easier), then you give them 5 HARD topics (not provided in advance), tell them to pick 3 and then write at least a one page position paper/essay for each of the three without consulting reference material, their speech writers, or their campaign advisers. Give them a few hours. At the end of the time period, put all of the papers (unedited and uncorrected except by the candidate) on the Internet.

Not that this would ever happen in a million years, but wouldn't it be cool? Who do you think would write the best paper? What would be some good topics?

A few off the top of my head:

1. Discuss how price controls, tariffs, and subsidies can positively or negatively affect the local, national, and international economies. Provide examples
2. Describe how the post WWI division of the Middle East into nations defined largely by European fiat has affected the political and social instability of the region in the past 90 years.
3. Describe your opinion on whether the two party system compliments or detracts from the original intent of the bicameral legislature and the concepts of senators vs. representatives.
4. Describe your opinions on the role of the government in financing scientific research and give examples of what you consider appropriate or inappropriate types of research. Be as technical and precise as possible, providing explanations based on your reading and research on the topics discussed.
5. How should politicians deal with long term issues when all of the short term solutions would affect their popularity and chance of re-election or would negatively affect their political party? At a minimum, consider environmental issues, social security and welfare programs, and subsidies.

I'm thinking of some others, but feel free to add your own in the comments.