HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the historic 1980 presidential contest between Reagan and incumbent Democratic President Jimmy Carter. American debates have changed much since the days when an Illinois lawyer held the nation spellbound with his moral arguments against slavery. That was 1858, and the arguments of Abraham Lincoln, who was debating Stephen Douglas, didn’t lead to Lincoln’s winning the Senate seat he sought. Nevertheless, transcripts were distributed throughout the country and became a springboard that vaulted Lincoln into the White House two years later. It was not until more than a century later, beginning in 1976, that national debates would be held for every presidential election. This year’s schedule includes three debates between the major parties’ presidential candidates and one between their vice presidential running mates. There will be changes due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The debates may be more important than in earlier races because the candidates have had fewer opportunities for typical campaign events because of public health restrictions.
// Shirley would also be able to discuss his bestselling book, Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America and the comparison and contrast to President Trump's 2020 campaign. Bestselling Biographer CRAIG SHIRLEY