by Victor Medina

Created on: September 22, 2008

The modern televised Presidential debates have not only decided elections, they have helped form the lasting impressions we hold of the candidates, whether they won or lost. The image we hold of our recent presidents have often been tied to a particular debate moment.

George W. Bush showed an abundance of character and charisma in his debates against both Al Gore and John Kerry. Both Democratic candidates showed an ability to understand and discuss the issues, but they were far too tedious in their responses. With Gore in particular, his bland, lecture-like responses did not impress may voters. Bush, for his part, was able to better summarize and articulate in relatable terms for voters. Many remember Al Gore's smirking during his debates with Bush, and political pundits believe it helped foster an elitist image that exists even today.

Bill Clinton was perhaps the best candidate to ever use the debates to form a lasting perception that propelled him to the White House. While he appeared no smarter or politically qualified in his debates, he was able to take questions given to him and use them as a platform to express how he "felt the pain" of the American people. His opponents, George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole, seemed out of touch by comparison. Even when scandal brought his re-election bid into jeopardy, his likability shone through in the 1996 debates, and secured the votes he needed.

Ronald Reagan was able to define himself in the debates, beginning with his "I paid for this microphone" statement during the 1980 primaries. Against Walter Mondale, he countered a snide remark about his age with a jovial comeback about his opponent's youth and inexperience in contrast. Reagan went on to win in a landslide in 1984.

Even when you don't "win" a debate, winning the perception battle is enough. In 1960, the first televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon was widely considered a win for Nixon, but viewers do not remember Nixon winning the intellectual battle. They remembered a tired looking Nixon with five o'clock shadow against a young, ready for prime-time Kennedy, which led to his upset win.

In the 2008 Democratic primary, Barack Obama had trouble wrapping up the nomination after some serious stumbles in debates against Hillary Clinton. It eventually led to Obama refusing to debate John McCain in a series of "town hall" meetings, for fear of another misstep.

Especially when elections are close, one debate could mean the difference in winning those one or two percentage points that can win a state and an election.

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