starsJim Lehrer hosts Debating Our Destiny
A look at the pivotal moments from the last 48 years of presidential debates through the eyes of those who were there.
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starDebates and Campaigns
1984
"I want you to know also 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." - President Reagan
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Transcript: At 72, incumbent President Ronald Reagan remained a powerful speaker and solid conservative, campaiging on four years of increased defense spending and a "happy warrior" record of combating Democrats in Congress. But former Vice President Walter Mondale sought to his age and policies a centerpiece of their debates. The age question led to one of the most memorable moments of the campaign -- an exchange that Mondale later said was the moment he knew his campaign was over.

This version of the report aired as part of the original Debating Our Destiny documentary in 2000.

Candidate Interviews

President Reagan and VP Mondale

PRESIDENTIAL
Walter Mondale (D),
Vice President

TRANSCRIPT

Ronald Reagan (R),
President

TRANSCRIPT

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
Geraldine Ferraro (D),
United States Congresswoman (NY)

TRANSCRIPT

George Bush Sr. (R),
President

TRANSCRIPT

Debate Transcripts

First Presidential Debate - October 7,1984
Main Topic - Economic and domestic issues
NO TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE

Second Presidential Debate - October 21,1984
Main Topic - Defense and foreign policy issues
NO TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE

Vice Presidential Debate - October 11,1984
Main Topic - Domestic affairs and foreign affairs

Transcripts: Commision on Presidential Debates

Produced by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions in association with the Commission on Presidential Debates and WETA

Debating Our Destiny is brought to you, in part, by: Chevron

Copyright 2008 MacNeil/Lehrer Productions
MacNeil/Lehrer Productions