Kathy Gingrich Lubbers and Jackie Gingrich Cushman agree that talking about their dad is far more exciting after he does well in a debate.

About 20 people gathered at Bluffton Barbecue today to listen to and ask questions of the daughters of Newt Gingrich, who took fourth in both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary and is polling in second place in South Carolina.

Lubbers said none of their campaign stops had an “aroma so enticing” as the local barbecue joint. Owner and Town Councilman Ted Huffman gave a little bow and blew a kiss in their direction in response.

Former Superintendent of Education Barbara Nielsen introduced the women and gave her endorsement of the former speaker of the U.S. House, citing her agreement with his views on the Department of Education.

“It’s a state’s rights issue, quite frankly,” she said.

Cushman said more than once that her father’s knowledge and ability to think on his feet makes him the best person to debate President Barack Obama during the upcoming election.

“If Dad debates President Obama, I personally think we should have it on Pay Per View,” she said as people laughed. “We can put the proceeds toward the national debt.”

Follow Anne Christnovich on Twitter at twitter.com/blufftonblogip