Yes, it is too late for James White now.I think it's fair to see it wouldn't hurt at this point to tell us what you're talking about.
I have several debates from the 19th century, involving various debaters of considerable ability and reputation, that were transcribed and published. These debates were very popular, drawing people from hundreds of miles, and would go on for days. They were very careful in who they would debate (the books often have all the preliminary correspondence regarding the challenge, worthiness of the opponent, rules of debate, etc.). They were careful to make sure their opponent would be perceived to be at least their equal in education and ability, and during the debate would compliment their opponent's abilities. If you are perceived to have defeated an opponent of lesser stature, that would be no credit to your cause, and it would be very bad for you and your cause if you were perceived to have lost the argument, or no more than held your own.
In one rather lengthy debate, one of the debaters went so far as to build up his opponent's stature, minimize his own, and then brag that he was winning the debate, therefore his opponent's cause was defeated. What he neglected to consider was that his opponent, knowing the debate would be published, was debating in a way that would come across better in the book form. All the smart remarks, derision, and laughter of the crowd in response made little impression in written form, and the book was available to a far wider audience. He and his supporters thought he had attained a great victory, that is, until the book which they published was read. They soon dropped the book and his opponent published it.
I have diverged from the question. James white has far more academic credentials than Steve (Doctorate vs. high school), written books, articles, many debates. It will be a great blow to his cause if he is perceived to have no more than held his own, or lost to Steve, who is not so well known, as I am confident will be the case.