Revisiting Key Moments from the Harris-Trump Debate

The 2024 election cycle has already delivered what may be the most consequential debate in history: President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance against former President Donald Trump has raised serious concerns about the Democrat’s ability to win and his suitability for another term.

So while debates are often viewed as important rituals with limited impact, it’s hard to ignore the influence a single memorable moment can have on public perception—particularly in relation to issues like the economy.

As Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare to face off in a few hours, it’s worth reflecting on some notable moments from past presidential and vice-presidential debates:

1976: The Cold War Misstep
In the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, Republican President Gerald Ford faced former Democratic Governor Jimmy Carter. Ford’s major gaffe came when he declared, “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and there never will be under a Ford administration,” ignoring the longstanding Soviet influence in the region. While Ford’s full response was more nuanced, this misstep overshadowed his performance.

1984: Reagan Addresses Age Concerns
At 73, President Ronald Reagan was the oldest U.S. president at the time. Following a poor first debate performance, Reagan made a memorable comeback in the second debate. When asked about his age, Reagan quipped, “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.” The remark, coupled with a well-timed reference to Seneca or Cicero, won him widespread praise and effectively ended any doubts about his competence.

1988: Bentsen vs. Quayle
In the 1988 vice-presidential debate, Democratic candidate Lloyd Bentsen delivered one of the most memorable lines in debate history. When Dan Quayle compared himself to John F. Kennedy, Bentsen retorted, “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.” The remark drew a huge reaction, leaving Quayle visibly flustered.

1992: The Watch Check
During the 1992 “town hall” style debate, President George H. W. Bush was caught on camera repeatedly checking his watch, which critics interpreted as a sign of his aloofness and disconnection from the public. Bush later admitted he was impatient for the debate to end.

2000: The Sighs
In the first debate between Democratic Vice President Al Gore and Republican Governor George W. Bush, Gore’s repeated sighs during Bush’s answers became a point of contention. While minor, these audible reactions highlighted the importance of not just winning the debate but managing perceptions of the debate.

2016: Close Encounters
During the third debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Trump stood unusually close to Clinton, a tactic reminiscent of a similar move Gore used with Bush in 2000. This close proximity drew attention and laughter from the audience.

2020: “I’m Speaking”
In her 2020 debate with Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Kamala Harris firmly asserted, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” when he tried to interrupt her. This assertive response became a memorable moment. While the upcoming debate may feature muted microphones to prevent interruptions, it remains to be seen what memorable moments will emerge.

As we look forward to tonight’s debate, these past moments remind us of the enduring impact a single line or gesture can have on the course of a campaign.