A debate is “a formal discussion on a particular topic in which opposing arguments are put forward.” The first debate between presidential candidates occurred between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. The two men outlined their philosophies and plans for the country in a series of seven different meetings. In those historic dialogues they rotated their roles with the first speaker delivering a one hour speech outlining his platform followed by an hour and a half rebuttal from his opponent and finally a thirty minute response from the lead speaker. There were no moderators nor unexpected questions. Instead the proceedings focused on the substantive issues of the day and gave each man the opportunity to highlight his beliefs.
While transcripts of the Lincoln/Douglas debates are studied by historians to this very day, the idea of having presidential candidates engage in discourse with one another didn’t really catch on until the middle of the twentieth century when John Kennedy and Richard Nixon famously met for a series of televised debates. In those encounters politicians and their parties discovered the power of the camera and sound bites. Richard Nixon, who had been the frontrunner in that race, showed up without makeup after a bout with the flu. He appeared to be tired and listless next to John Kennedy who quite smartly wore camera ready makeup to highlight his good looks and energy. The American public was captivated by the noticeable difference between the two men. The tide of popularity turned and John Kennedy went on the win the election. Continue reading “Debates About Debates”
All It Takes Is A Little Love 