The year was 1984, and one of the most memorable presidential debate moments became part of history.
President Ronald Reagan turned to his Democratic opponent, former VP Walter Mondale. "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Reagan deadpanned, evoking smiles and bouts of laughter from everyone in the debate hall, even Mondale. There was no bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates to take credit for that debate. Edwin Newman of NBC was the sole moderator.
In a fit of morality, the two parties created a bipartisan CPD in 1987 to fix a problem when none was present: to ensure that presidential debates become a permanent part of the electoral process. No one in 1987 foresaw our current environment with its thousand echo chambers across print, radio, television, online, podcast universe, and social media platforms.
The RNC Is Right To Pull Out Of The Presidential Debates
It's time to say goodbye to the faceless, unelected Commission on Presidential Debates, forever.
Related
Kennedy Center Board Approves Trump's Two-Year Renovation Closure
The proposed closure is intended to address extensive structural deterioration, including severe corrosion, as well as upgrade parts of the facility.
Special Committee Meets Ahead of Setting Rules For Next Voting System in Georgia
The task of the Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee comes following the Legislature’s prior direction to abolish the state’s QR code system for vote tabulation.
Supreme Court To Hear Case Of Catholic Preschool Excluded From Colorado Program Over State’s LGBTQ Policy
St. Mary’s Catholic Parish preschool in Littleton, Colorado, has argued its exclusion from the state’s universal preschool program violates the First Amendment’s protection against religious discrimination.
El-Sayed Played Key Role In Protesting Former Jihadist-Turned-Christian Speaking Event
Saleem said on his website that he was recruited by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Palestine Liberation Organization when he was age 7 and then trained to fight Israelis.
Latest
The American Engine Revs
Inflation is cooling, stocks are at record highs, and the economy is gaining strength.
U.S. Threats Against Iran Push Treasury Yields Higher
The 10-year Treasury yield rose 2 basis points to 4.661%, while the 2-year yield gained more than 1 basis point to 4.152%
What Is Driving The Oil Spill Spreading Off Oman
Omani authorities said the oil has reached the mainland, affecting about 25 miles of the Ras Madrakah coastline, more than 120 miles from the tanker
US-Saudi 123 Agreement Is Good for Energy Security, Nonproliferation, And Nuclear Safety
Saudi Arabia has never built a nuclear power plant. This presents two major challenges. First, it doesn’t have the industrial base to build or support a commercial nuclear industry.