Compares the 1960 and 1976 presidential debates as part of the political campaign and concludes that the differences between the two in terms of format and content are minor. (JMF)

The audio breakdown during the first Ford-Carter presidential debate in the 1976 presidential campaign raises questions concerning the role of the media in this news event and whether the debate was a news event without regard to television coverage. (JMF)

Reviews the events, studies, and comments (from 1960 to the present) regarding the controversial question of who won the first 1960 televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Supports the view that, for television viewers, Kennedy was the winner, whereas radio listeners gave Nixon the edge. (SR)

Reports the results of two studies measuring the effects on undergraduate communication students of watching U.S. presidential primary debates. Concludes that primary debates are capable of influencing both policy and character impressions of the candidates, as well as changing voting intentions and increasing voter confidence. (SG)

Presents a study of the effects of the presidential debates in the 1976 election on the awareness of political issues. Concludes that the primary effect was to widen the gap between the knowledge-rich and the knowledge-poor. (JMF)

Offers a case study of the central defining moment of the 1988 vice presidential debate, in which Lloyd Bentsen asserted that Dan Quayle was "no Jack Kennedy." Discusses the degree to which this excerpt dominated news coverage of the debate, why it received so much attention, and how it has survived and evolved in the media over time.…

Studies the value of television commercials and political debates as sources of information about candidates. Reports that respondents who viewed both kinds of messages state that advertisements provide more information on issue positions. Concludes that debates are more effective in improving candidate name recognition and knowledge of party…

Analyzes the commentary on the 1984 U.S. vice-presidential debate between G. Ferraro and G. Bush. Suggests that verbal references to the quantity and quality of emotion differed according to whether or not the observer politically favored the candidate. (NKA)