Fitting In: The Debate in History
University Communications
University Reporter
By
Maurice T. Cunningham
Presidential nominees meet in debates when it serves the interest of each candidate. Thus, the October 3 UMass Boston debate was on—then off—and finally on again, as George W. Bush calculated the changing cost of not participating. Bush's dance reflects the quadrennial tension between the candidates' quest for advantage and debate sponsors' effort to produce events that serve the public interest.
Presidential debates occurred in 1960 because Richard Nixon believed in his debating skill and had had successful experience with television. John Kennedy thought he could address public concerns about his youth and inexperience. However, presidential debates were not held again until 1976, largely because at least one of the candidates saw more to fear than to gain.
In 1976 Gerald Ford wanted to debate because he was serving as our only unelected president and trailed Jimmy Carter. Despite his lead, Carter was still a relative unknown, and he hoped to dispel the perception that he was not up to the job.
Ronald Reagan favored debates in 1980 as a way to allay public fears about his competence, and Carter was bound by his participation in 1976. Nonetheless, Carter skipped the first debate because Independent John Anderson had been invited. Carter met Reagan in one debate without Anderson. Reagan debated in 1984 as well, the first time an elected incumbent chose to do so.
In 1988 Vice President George Bush wanted debates held on terms negotiated by the candidates, not imposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The campaigns agreed after prolonged negotiations, but only after Bush threatened to forego debates entirely.
President Bush was a reluctant debater in 1992 as well. His camp rejected
the Commission's proposal and wrangled over debate rules with Bill Clinton's
representatives. Public demand led the candidates to agreement, and Independent
Ross Perot was included. In 1996 Clinton declined the Commission's proposal
for a three-debate schedule and faced Robert Dole twice.
George W. Bush followed his father's lead as an unwilling debater. Bush
rejected the Commission's 2000 plan for debates with Al Gore (especially
the one in Boston). The aftermath is best described in three New York
Times headlines:
- 7 September "Bush vows to stick to his debating plan"
- 8 September "Bush suggests willingness to move on debate issue"
- 9 September "Under pressure, Bush abandons debate stance"
Bush acquiesced. The Commission's victory strengthened the debate process as an institution, and UMass Boston hosted the first debate of the 2000 general election.