Illuminating the Past: The Presidential Debates
Presidential debates are a crucial part of the American electoral process. Candidates discuss and present their stances on the nation's hottest topics. Since their approximate beginning in 1960, the presidential debates have evolved significantly, now organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). These debates throughout time have hosted many memorable moments that have influenced elections. As the 2024 debates have begun, it is important to understand their history, significance, and changes.
Presidential debates are a critical tool for voters to directly assess candidates. They provide an effective way for candidates to discuss their values and vision for the United States. Debates also allow voters to see the candidates’ demeanors, their decision-making abilities, and their leadership styles. By putting the candidates together, it facilitates direct contrast between the two. Hence, debates are crucial for voter information, allowing citizens to make decisions on the candidates.
“Since the first televised debate in 1960 between Kennedy and Nixon, American viewers have riveted towards their screens to see how the election unfolds. ”
The first debate highlighted the way television shaped the American perception of politics, a concept we still see evident today with the 2024 presidential election. After a brief hiatus, the debates came back in full swing during the 1976 election and have remained in the election process since. The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 to oversee the event and make sure it remained efficient in U.S. democracy. Over the years, debates have continued to evolve, adapting to technology and voter expectations.
Throughout history, presidential debates have featured some noteworthy moments and details. In the first televised debate, the best-known narrative was that Nixon ultimately lost, due to his old and tired demeanor whereas Kennedy appeared young and vibrant. During the 1992 debate, Bush was caught looking at his watch as he was asked a question, painting him as bored and disinterested. Finally, the first presidential debate of 2024 will go down in history, with the two oldest candidates to date. Similar to their debate in 2020, Trump and Biden’s demeanors and back-and-forth interruptions became hot topics online.
Presidential debates attract many viewers who wish to see the candidates in action. The debut in 1960 drew 70 million people watching Kennedy and Nixon. Over the years, viewership has fluctuated depending on how exciting the election is and how popular the candidates are. In 2016, 84 million people tuned in to watch Trump and Clinton debate, the largest turnout of all time. With increasing ways to watch the debates each year on TV or online, millions of people nationwide look to the screens during election season.
In the past seventy years, presidential debates have changed significantly. Compared to their beginning, they now focus much more on the dynamic between candidates rather than their specific responses. More recently, social media has played a larger role in the debates, with the introduction of fact-checking and instantaneous reactions.
The 2024 election cycle has been highly anticipated. After the first debate on June 27 between President Biden and Former President Trump, tensions were high. After President Biden dropped out of the 2024 Presidential Race, one can only wonder whether or not a debate will occur between Vice President Harris and Former President Trump. The debate is sure to draw a large crowd, seeing as the preliminary polls have been extremely close.
Presidential debates have been a crucial part of American democracy throughout history. They help voters see how candidates handle tough questions and present their ideas. From the first televised debate in 1960 to the current 2024 election cycle, these events have changed, reflecting shifts in technology and public interest. They've provided noteworthy moments and played a significant role in shaping outcomes. As debates continue, so does their importance in helping voters make informed choices about the nation's future.
Works Cited
DeSilver, Drew. “6 Facts about Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 21 June 2024, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/21/6-facts-about-presidential-and-vice-presidential-debates/.
Popli, Nik. “President Debates in History That Moved the Needle.” Time, Time, 24 June 2024, time.com/6989327/presidential-debates-history-moments/.
“Presidential Candidates Debates (1960-2024).” 6.2 Presidential Candidates Debates (1960-2024) | The American Presidency Project, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/presidential-documents-archive-guidebook/presidential-campaigns-debates-and-endorsements-0. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.
“Today in History - October 21.” The Library of Congress, 21AD, www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/october-21/#:~:text=On%20October%2021%2C%201960%2C%20American,held%20on%20September%2026%2C%201960.
Written by Sofia Fleri from San Francisco, California.
