debater

the stringency of a debater's argument

The debater was fast on the draw.

he was a redoubtable debater with a caustic tongue.

called the debater on a question of fact.

The debater countered with another argument.

The debater's argument failed of logical connection.

is surpassed by few as a debater;

fierce criticism of every weakness in the debater's argument

Debaters should avoid ad hominem arguments that question their opponents' motives.

The debater refused to cede the point to her opponent.