iCivics
Win the White House
Here is a unique and engaging approach to learning about the steps a presidential candidate must take during a campaign. Learners role play the part of a candidate in this online interactive, taking part in a presidential debate and then...
Curated OER
Do Presidential Candidates Need to Be Good Debaters?
Blogs can be a good way for learners to engage in writing, critical thinking, and social media in a formal way. The New York Times has provided learners age 13-18 with an article, background information, and several prompts to get them...
Curated OER
Presidential Debate Primer
Students examine the function of presidential debates. In this civics lesson, students view segments of presidential and vice presidential debates. Students analyze the answers given in the debates and identify the platforms of the...
Curated OER
The Great Debate
Students watch tapes of televised presidential debates dating from 1960. They analyze debates and participate in mock debates.
CNN
Cnn: Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan
Highlights of both debates between J. Carter and R. Reagan, including date, location, moderator, and format.
CNN
Cnn: Other Candidates, Other Voices
1996 Debate with a twist. Third party candidates that were excluded from debates have a chance to answer a select group of questions.
Other
Commision on Presidential Debates: Debate History
The pages in this section summarize available information on major historic political debates. Click on the buttons at the bottom to learn about debates that occurred in each respective year. It provides videos and transcripts of many...
CNN
Cnn: Presidential Debate History
History of the important role debates have played in presidential campaigns with links into image and audio content. Detailed information covers a wide spectrum on the history of debates.
CNN
Cnn: Dole vs. Clinton First Debate Transcript
First presidential debate between Clinton and Dole with moderator Jim Lehrer.
CNN
Cnn: Presidential Debate Scorecard 1
An interesting breakdown in several areas that demonstrate how the candidates are graded during the October 1996 debates.
CNN
Cnn: Presidential Debate Scorecard 2
An interesting breakdown in several areas of the second debate between Clinton and Dole in October 1996. The categories demonstrate how the candidates are graded during debates.
CNN
Cnn: 1960 Presidential Debate Highlights
Great site summarizing highlights of the four debates between Kennedy and Nixon. Also included are dates, location, and moderators of the events.
CNN
Cnn: George Bush vs. Michael Dukakis
Highlights of both debates between George Bush and Michael Dukakis, including date, location, moderator and format.
CNN
Cnn: Walter Mondale vs. Ronald Reagan
Highlights of both debates between Walter Mondale and Ronald Reagan, including date, location, moderator and format.
CNN
Cnn: Clinton vs. Dole: Let the Debates Begin
Time Magazine summarizes the presidential debate between Dole and Clinton while touching on their differences regarding campaign issues.
CNN
Cnn: Truth Was an Occasional Casualty in Sunday's Debate
CNN journalist takes a close look at the debate claims of each candidate during the Clinton vs. Dole debates.
CNN
Cnn: 1976 Presidential Debate Highlights
Highlights of the presidential debates between Carter and Ford including date, location and moderator.
CNN
Cnn: No Fireworks, No Flames
CNN coorespondent Morris Burrett critiques the debate outcome between Clinton and Bush and also analyzes comments from both candidates.
CNN
Cnn: An Icy Duke Edges Out Bush in a Taut Debate
CNN Time analyzes the outcome of the first of two debates between George Bush and Michael Dukakis.
CNN
Cnn: Sights and Sounds Gallery the Main Event
Audio and video coverage of the reigning champion Bill Clinton and challenger Bob Dole during presidential debates. Comprehensive site with candidates' views on many issues as well as a full debate transcript.
CNN
Cnn: All Politics Debates Bring Out the Best and the Worst I
A 1996 CNN news item reviews some of the famous mistakes made in presidential debates and considers the measures candidates take to make good impressions and avoid spectacular gaffes.
Other
Commission on Presidential Debates
Don't miss out on this comprehensive presidential debate site. Check out information on debate history, presidential debates, an inside look at debating and more. This site also has a teacher's guide to hands on activities.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Past Debates
A brief Online NewsHour report highlights some of the classic, and not so classic moments in the history of televised presidential debates. A very interesting glimpse at past debates.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Nixon Kennedy Debate
Although Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy weren't the first presidential candidates to use the media to reach the public, their debates showed most clearly how television could influence the voting public.