Staff Reports
Get the popcorn ready, folks. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to go head-to-head in a debate this Thursday. For those who appreciate a good political showdown, this promises to be a spectacle. History has shown us that these televised debates can either make or break a candidate. Just ask Gerald Ford.
Speaking of Ford, who can forget his infamous blunder during the 1976 presidential debate? The man actually said there was no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, despite the Soviets pulling the strings tighter than a Hollywood agent. Ford tried to spin it by saying Eastern Europe was free, but nobody was buying what he was selling. Jimmy Carter had a field day, calling Ford’s claim ridiculous. And guess what? Ford’s gaffe contributed to his loss and delivered the White House to Carter.
Memorable #PresidentialDebateshttps://t.co/mXsKCOdQ2I
— RazinCain (@cain_razin) June 27, 2024
Fast-forward to 1980 and another memorable debate moment. Ronald Reagan, the Great Communicator, shut down Carter’s attack on Social Security and Medicare with his famous, “There you go again.” Reagan’s quick wit and charm not only made the audience laugh but helped him crush Carter in a landslide victory. Reagan turned a potential vulnerability into a winning asset, something Joe Biden might want to take notes on.
Of course, debates have also had their share of bizarre moments. Like in 1992, when President George H.W. Bush kept checking his watch during a debate with Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. Nothing screams “I don’t want to be here” quite like that. The media and voters noticed, dubbing him disinterested and out of touch. That little gesture played a not-so-small part in Clinton’s victory, teaching future candidates that every tiny action counts under the debate stage’s spotlight.
Then there was the 2012 debate debacle where Mitt Romney got fact-checked live on air by moderator Candy Crowley. Romney correctly stated that President Obama hadn’t immediately called the Benghazi attack an act of terror. Crowley interjected to say Obama had, though she later admitted Romney was essentially right. The confusion handed Obama a much-needed save, partly helping him secure a second term.
And who can forget Trump’s zingers in 2016? Clinton remarked that it was good someone like Trump wasn’t in charge of law in the country, to which Trump replied, “Because you’d be in jail.” His one-liners and direct approach won him favor with voters tired of political correctness. For better or worse, Trump’s memorable moments helped propel him to an unexpected victory.
Thursday’s debate promises to add another chapter to this history. Biden better bring his A-game, and Trump, well, he’s been here before. Don’t blink, because you won’t want to miss a second.
