Political Debates
Political debates are generally televised debates where constituents are given the opportunity to asked questions of both candidates running for political office. Candidates are able to address their opponents and their responses as well. When watching political debates it becomes apparent that candidates have a set list of talking points, and will skirt around the question by only speaking about their talking points. In the age of televised debates, body language and appearances have and increasing bearing on popular opinion about the candidates. Similar to other speaking engagements, candidates utilize appeals to pathos, logos, and ethos to persuade audiences. The differences between these events is the limited time in which the candidate can formulate these appeals, sometimes making them less effective.
Kennedy vs. Nixon
The Kennedy/Nixon debate of 1960 was the first televised debate in US history. It was obvious during the debate that Nixon was quite uncomfortable while Kennedy remained cool and charismatic. Viewers of the televised debate thought Kennedy had clearly won, while those who listened to the debate over the radio pegged Nixon as the winner.
|
Carter vs. Ford
|
|
Gerald Ford, the incumbent for the 1976 election, ran against and lost to Jimmy Carter for the Presidency. The October 6th debate was the turning point for many in the election. Ford made a grave mistake by stating that Russia, in the middle of the Cold War, did not have control over eastern Europe. Carter went on to win the election after making that point a central aspect of his campaign against Ford. This blunder concerned Americans, who understood the gravity of the Cold War situation because a President who doesn't understand that threat cannot begin to eradicate it.
Reagan vs. Carter
|
|
Jimmy Carter lost the election for his second term to Ronald Reagan. Reagan brought charisma and humor to his debates, coming off as very personable to his constituents. Carter lacked a strong hand in the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and the people saw Reagan as a conservative that cared about his country and his people. Also, inflation was a central talking point of the election. Carter's first term had done little to solve the problem, and Reagan's promises to do so helped to win him the election.
Bush vs. Gore
|
|
George W. Bush ran against and defeated Al Gore for the Presidency in 2000. The race was very close throughout much of the election. However promising Gore's proposed policies were, he lacked the same bedside manner as Bush, who projected a very patriotic image. During the first debate, Gore interrupted Bush numerous times and sighed when his opponent was speaking. For many Americans, this was not the behavior of a future President.