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US Presidential debates: The good, bad & the ugly

It is a corner stone of every modern US Presidential election – the debate. Held late in th...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.07 1 Nov 2012


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US Presidential debates: The g...

US Presidential debates: The good, bad & the ugly

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.07 1 Nov 2012


Share this article


It is a corner stone of every modern US Presidential election – the debate.

Held late in the election cycle after the political parties have nominated their candidates, they usually meet in a large hall, often at a university, before an audience.

The formats of the debates have varied, with questions sometimes posed from one or more journalist moderators and in other cases members of the audience.

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Viewing figures

Broadcast live on television and radio, the first debate for the 1960 election drew over 66 million viewers out of a population of 179 million making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history.

The 1980 debates drew 80 million viewers out of a 226 million.

Recent debates have drawn decidedly smaller audiences – ranging from 46 million for the first 2000 debate to a high of over 67 million for the first debate in 2012.

In Video

Coming up are highlights of the 2012 debates between Obama & Romney, as well as the Vice-Presidential debate.

But first CNN looks back at the highs and lows of what can be an election decider:

First Presidential debate highlights:

Second Presidential debate highlights: US Vice Presidential debate highlights: Final Presidential debate highlights:


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