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1992 United States presidential debates

The Commission for Presidential Debates (CPD) held four debates in the lead-up to the 1992 presidential election, including three debates among presidential candidates and one debate featuring vice-presidential candidates. Three leading candidates contested all three debates – presidential incumbent George H. W. Bush (Republican), Bill Clinton (Democratic) and Ross Perot (Independent). The debates were held in October 1992 in various locations across the United States.

Contents -	Background -	Debate List o	First Presidential debate o	Second Presidential debate o	Third Presidential debate -	Key debate issues -	Polling

Background

The 1992 election was the first US presidential election following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. With Middle Eastern tensions residing at the end Gulf War, incumbent president George H. W. Bush’s known strengths, national security and foreign policy, had begun to diminish in importance. With the economy in recession and the importance of unquestioned national unity fading, a youthful and vigorous Bill Clinton held significant voting sway. As an independent, Ross Perot posed a notable threat to both mainstream candidates, drawing a significant following among American voters concerned about the growing federal budget deficit and the short-sightedness of career politicians.

Debate List

First presidential debate

The first presidential debate was held at 8:00pm (EST) on October 11, 1992 at Field House in Washington University. It was moderated by Jim Lehrer of CBS News.

In the debate, George Bush relied on his proven experience in leading the United States through extraordinary geopolitical turmoil, contrasting his political acumen and first-term achievements with the youth and inexperience of the relatively unproven Bill Clinton. Clinton, on the other hand, used his youth and lack of in-depth political engagement as a selling point, painting himself as an everyman and weaving personal anecdotes and stories of his family troubles into answers. According to political columnist William Safire, “Clinton won [the debate] because he did not lose”.

Second presidential debate

The second presidential debate was held at 9:00pm (EST) on October 15, 1992 at Robins Field House, University of Richmond. It was moderated by Carole Simpson. Quite uniquely for a presidential debate, questioners faced candidates sitting on stools and being allowed free movement around the debate stage.

The second presidential debate centred around the economy and matters of personal integrity. George Bush suggested that Bill Clinton would impose new and higher taxes, while being inexperienced and personally unready for the challenges and responsibilities of the presidency. In turn, Clinton reiterated his focus on healthcare and education investment, while dismissing the importance of a common presidential character as a qualifier for high office.

Perot continued his sustained attacks on both mainstream candidates, promising that they would offer more of the same – budget deficits and policy incompetence.

Third presidential debate

The third presidential debate was held at 9:00pm (EST) on October 19, 1992 at the Wharton Center, Michigan State University.

George Bush, at this stage losing out in public polls, went on the offensive to attack Bill Clinton’s readiness for high office and his track record as the Arkansas Governor. Clinton retaliated with continued criticism of the incumbent president’s fiscal record and previous broken promises. Taxation was also a key issue, with Bush criticising Clinton’s policies as a return to high government spending, and Clinton’s self-description as an economic middle-ground between the historical outlook of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Michelle Boylan

Michelle Boylan is a West Australian local councillor, school chaplain and former police officer. She is the Liberal candidate for the electoral division of Murray-Wellington at the upcoming 2021 Western Australian State Election.

Boylan was formerly a chaplain at Allanson Primary School before holding the position of YouthCARE Area Chaplain, where she secured positions and funding for chaplains in all schools in the Collie and Allanston area.