A Brief History of Presidential Debates - US 101

Presidential debates for the 2020 elections have begun. How did debates between presidential candidates get their start in the United States?

On this episode of US 101 we take a brief look at the history of presidential debates in the U.S. We learn about the first instance of supporters of a candidate publicly defending them, why a 19th century Senate debate set the bar for political debate in America, and the first nationally broadcast debates between presidential candidates that happened before John F. Kennedy debated Richard Nixon in 1960.

Read more about presidential debates:

[US]

Are you a fan of presidential debates? Do you think they're an important part of the political process? Let's debate!

[EdChristopherTakuma]

OMG... You are sami jarroush from the rock it out blog.... I used to watch you when I was a really young boy....I really live how you deliver your lines on your videos.... I know nothing about the US but I enjoy watching you deliver your content

[annieyesiam]

im polish and i find it so interesting! why don't you have more subscribers??

[williamhild]

A debate mistake by a candidate can doom him/her. Equally important, a zinger by the opponent can doom you as well. Ronald Reagan did it twice---"There you go again..." (Jimmy Carter) and "I will not exploit age and bring up my opponents youth and inexperience..." (Walter Mondale).

[jaeyounglee]

Hold up
They were in Miami, Fl
Where I live
Why did I not know about this

[andreamiele]

Also in 1964 there wasn't the presidential debate. Why?

[johnkilmartin]

Why were Lincoln and Douglas debating for a Senate seat? I thought only the state legislature could vote for Senators at this point.

[neutron]

At this point in a very fractured news and political culture where one can live in a bubble and never hear the other view of a political issue. I find presidential debates pointless. There is nothing that can be said by either candidate that will change the mind/vote of the opposite party voter.  I also find it frustrating that when they roll around there is something like 20% of the population that has no idea who they would like to vote. But do I watch the presidential debates when they happen yes, only to have something to talk about the next day and to say how bad that person did and how awesome my person did.

[nielcarpnava]

Who's here after the recent U.S. Presidential debate? 😂😂😂