One-Sided Presidential Debates
John Yoo ·
October 5, 2012 at 10:10pm
I'm listening to the newest episode of Ricochet's flagship podcast (which makes Law Talk an aegis cruiser, I suppose), and the question arose, but wasn't answered: was there ever a more one-sided debate in presidential history?
I don't think Nixon-JFK was as bad (at least in terms of substance -- image is another matter). But two debates that were equally, if not more, one-sided, at least to me:
McCain-Obama 2008
Dole-Clinton 1996
Am I wrong? Other candidates?
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Dec '11
Re: One-Sided Presidential Debates
I have watched or listened to every presidential debate since '88. I have beheld many in which one candidate won by being on his game, and simply beat out a fair performance by his opponent. I have also witnessed those in which one candidate undid himself, and handed the victory away. I do not believe I have ever seen this 1-2 combination of a peerless performance by the winner, and utter weakness by the loser.
Jul '12
Re: One-Sided Presidential Debates
I agree. See my last comment
Jan '12
Re: One-Sided Presidential Debates
You highlighted the contrast between the two performances masterfully; Romney's was superb and Obama's dismal!
But I believe that not enough impact has been assigned to the roll of the moderator, Jim Lehrer. Had he been arbitrary and unfair, Romney may have had to spend valuable time insisting on equal time or for a chance to respond to an important point.
Such occasions do not usually flatter, besides being disruptive, both to the speaker and the audience.
Romney was allowed to perform, unimpeded by either of the other two men on the stage, and he did so, all but flawlessly!
May '10
Re: One-Sided Presidential Debates
Not a presidential debate, but Cheney v. Edwards was equally lopsided.