The greatest moments in presidential debates history
- 8 years ago
Greatest moments in presidential debates history The very first presidential debate was in 1960 — and the fact that it was televised became its defining feature.
Following 1960, there was a 16-year gap with no presidential debates: In 1964, Lyndon Johnson didn’t want to threaten his big lead in the polls, and in 1968 and 1972, Nixon feared a repeat of his disastrous encounter with Kennedy.
In 1976, debates were back on.
Then-President Gerald Ford was behind in the polls and agreed to appear with his challenger, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter.
Their debates are best remembered for Ford’s gaffe about there being “no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.”
Ronald Reagan's “there you go again” putdown of Carter.
Four years later, Reagan's hilarious response to suggestions that he might be too old for the presidency.
In 1988, Democratic Nominee Michael Dukakis responded clinically to an emotional question about whether he would still oppose the death penalty if his wife were raped and murdered.
In 1992, Ross Perot won converts with his folksy populism—language that presages some of Donald Trump’s today.
In 1996, Bill Clinton dealt effectively with his opponent’s age.
In 2000, Al Gore’s sighs became more memorable than most of what he said.
In 2004, George W. Bush took message discipline to a whole new level by repeating himself.
In 2008 and 2012, viewers saw President Obama’s strengths and weaknesses as a debater.
The stakes are high for Monday's confrontation between Trump and Hillary Clinton.
And voters, perhaps in record numbers, will be watching.
Following 1960, there was a 16-year gap with no presidential debates: In 1964, Lyndon Johnson didn’t want to threaten his big lead in the polls, and in 1968 and 1972, Nixon feared a repeat of his disastrous encounter with Kennedy.
In 1976, debates were back on.
Then-President Gerald Ford was behind in the polls and agreed to appear with his challenger, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter.
Their debates are best remembered for Ford’s gaffe about there being “no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.”
Ronald Reagan's “there you go again” putdown of Carter.
Four years later, Reagan's hilarious response to suggestions that he might be too old for the presidency.
In 1988, Democratic Nominee Michael Dukakis responded clinically to an emotional question about whether he would still oppose the death penalty if his wife were raped and murdered.
In 1992, Ross Perot won converts with his folksy populism—language that presages some of Donald Trump’s today.
In 1996, Bill Clinton dealt effectively with his opponent’s age.
In 2000, Al Gore’s sighs became more memorable than most of what he said.
In 2004, George W. Bush took message discipline to a whole new level by repeating himself.
In 2008 and 2012, viewers saw President Obama’s strengths and weaknesses as a debater.
The stakes are high for Monday's confrontation between Trump and Hillary Clinton.
And voters, perhaps in record numbers, will be watching.