Memorable moments from debates past
It's a hallmark of the American electoral process: the presidential debate.
The first nationally televised debate in history featured John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The visuals did not play in Nixon's favor, as he was seen sweating and looking pale after previously being hospitalized for an infection, while Kennedy looked young and gave a more vigorous performance.
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More than 20 years later, Ronald Reagan, the oldest sitting president at the time, shut down some questions about his age during his debate with Democrat Walter Mondale.
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In 1992's trilateral debate, President George H.W. Bush was criticized for looking down at his watch. In 2000, Al Gore was mocked for his audible sighs during his debate with George W. Bush.
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In the 2020 Democratic primary, one highlight was Harris' challenge to Joe Biden on the issue of segregation and busing, which prompted her viral quote, "That little girl was me."
![PHOTO: People watch the CNN presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden at a watch party at The Continental Club on June 27, 2024 in Los Angeles.](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/9553e523-099c-4efa-8dc0-d57a67241c53/trump-biden-file-gty-ml-240903_1725370825506_hpMain.jpg)
Most recently, the debate between President Biden and Trump changed the course of the 2024 campaign after Biden's poor performance exacerbated Democratic and voter concerns about his age and fitness to serve another four years. He announced he was exiting the race 24 days later.