1960

Then a 16 year Gap

1976 and every four years thereafter

At first, sponsored by the

League of Women Voters

Since l988 by the

Presidential Debate Commission

Sponsorship settled--

But lots of questions remain

Participation of 3rd party candidates

The degree of Candidate Control

The debate about debates

Whether to participate?

How many debates?

When? The Schedule? Location?

Who will ask questions?

Camera coverage?

The format generally, rules—

Who benefits from debates?

The context of debates—

How candidates prepare—

Afterward—spin, and impact

The Future of Debates