US presidential debates: memorable gaffes and scandals through the years

US presidential debates have been marked by significant gaffes and memorable moments that have shaped political narratives. Notably, during the Cold War, Gerald Ford made a critical error by claiming there was no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, a statement that contradicted the reality of Soviet military presence. This misstep arguably cost him the presidency. Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, cleverly turned his age into an asset during his debate against Walter Mondale, asserting he would not make age an issue, which resonated positively with voters. In more recent debates, candidates have faced scrutiny for their behavior. George H.W. Bush was caught glancing at his watch during a town hall debate with Bill Clinton, which was perceived as disrespectful and contributed to his defeat. Barack Obama countered Mitt Romney's claim about the Navy's size with a memorable retort about modern naval capabilities, showcasing the importance of quick thinking in debates. The 2016 election saw a particularly contentious debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, where Trump’s remark about Clinton being in jail highlighted the aggressive tone of the campaign. The 2020 debate between Trump and Joe Biden devolved into chaos, with Biden's outbursts against Trump’s interruptions marking a low point in debate decorum. Most recently, Biden's performance in a June 2024 debate raised concerns about his age and capability, leading to speculation about his candidacy. This debate was pivotal, as it set the stage for Biden to eventually withdraw from the race, paving the way for Kamala Harris to emerge as a new challenger against Trump.