"You can have a good president that might not be the best in the top of his game in a staged debate. But maybe he can do it quietly, maybe he can do it without having a hair part and a make-up just right and a smile at the right time."
--President George Bush

"Having to do them and knowing that if you blow it, they will change a lot of votes, forces people who wish to be president to do things that they should do. And I am convinced that the debates that I went through, especially those three in 1992, actually helped me to be a better president."
--President Bill Clinton

Are presidential debates a necessary part of the political process?

In his interview with Jim Lehrer, President George Bush answers "no" and calls presidential debates mere "show business."

President Clinton disagrees. He says "there is some substance; there is some meat there."

Who do you agree with?

In the link columns are interviews with former presidential candidates. Each offers a unique perspective on debates and their value to the American public.

Students should also watch or read several debates so they can come to their own conclusion about whether debates are worth all the fuss.

Suggested questions:
How do voters get information about where candidates stand on certain issues?

How is information about a candidate controlled? Who controls it?

What reasons do the former presidents give to support their opinions of debates?

After watching a debate, what do you think? Did you get a clearer picture of the candidates? Was it more about their behavior, clothing and one-line zingers, or did you think that the speakers were challenged to think about and explain their positions?