Defining Moments in Presidential Debates

[DaveinJapan]

I just happened upon the Bush/Clinton/Perot 1992 debate while browsing YouTube (a clip I've seen many, MANY times and never tire of watching).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffbFvKlWqE&feature=related

I was certainly struck by Clinton's eloquent answer, but even moreso by how amazingly tone-deaf ex-President Bush I came off (even after the moderator handed him a total softball by changing the question around to "how has the recession effected you"). Even after that clarification, he continues down the completely dumb-headed path of trying to justify why he, a rich guy, is still somewhat bothered by things that don't effect him one iota.

Anyway, that was one of those moments where looking back it became clear who the Real Deal was and who was soon to be history.

I tried to think of some regarding Obama/McCain, but those were more of a consistent train-wreck accompanied by an always reasoned, always prepared candidate ready to shoot down any idiocy post haste. I do recall Reagan coming up with some impressive comebacks and retorts, using humor and confidence very much to his advantage against both Carter and later Mondale. Much as I love to hate him, he owned the Presidential debates all the way back to "I'm paying for this microphone!".

So, I'm wondering if we could hear about some favorites, perhaps ones we might be less familiar with. No need to contain it to Presidential debates either if there's one that sticks out as particularly memorable.

[rpannier]

1. Presidential Debates

Most of them worked against us

Mondale's Taxes question during his debate with Reagan was pretty good

It's the gaffe's I remember most:
Ford on Poland
Dukakis on the Death Penalty

The Zinger I remember most comes from the Veep debate

Bensten-Quayle
Bentsen's "You're no Jack Kennedy" was a great one-liner, but it was made better by this
Quayle: That was unfair
Bentsen: You made the comparison, Sir.