Presidential Candidate Actions That Changed The Course Of History

Does history actually repeat itself? Political science and history expert Nick Ragone schools us on elections from the past as well as debates. In his book, Presidents Most Wanted he takes a look at the Top 10 extraordinary executives, colorful campaigns and White House oddities.

From the Nixon/Kennedy debate to Ford blunders, we're examining the Presidential races from previous years. Presidents Most Wanted is currently available in bookstores.

For more information, visit www.nickragone.com.

PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS, PICTURE AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

++ Nixon/Kennedy was the first debate in history, and it had a huge impact. Nixon was the favorite -- he was known as an expert debater -- but Kennedy looked so much better on television (tan, rested). Kennedy used makeup, while Nixon didn't. For Americans who watched the debate, they thought Kennedy won. For Americans who listened on radio, they thought nixon won. Most historians think that debate helped put JFK over the top.

++ In the Ford/Carter debate in '76, Ford made one of the all-time great blunders when he said that there was "no Soviet domination in Eastern Europe". Many historians believe this blunder may have cost him the election -- he wound up losing by one of the narrowest margins in history.

++ In 1980, Reagan had a great line against Carter -- "there you go again" -- in response to Carter's litany of attacks. It showed Reagan's humor and likeability, and helped make voters comfortable with him.

++ In 1984, there was some concern about Reagan's age. In his first debate with Mondale, he looked unsteady and a little out of it. In the second debate, he was asked about his age, for which he said "he wouldn't use his opponents youth and inexperience against him." The line got a huge laugh, and diffused the age issue.

Sometimes, it's non-verbal cues that make a difference:
++ In 1992, in the three way debate with Perot, Clinton and Bush, there was an odd moment when bush was caught staring at his watch. It sort of symbolized him as being out of touch, and was the lasting image of that debate.

++ In 2000, in the third debate between Bush and Gore, Gore "invaded" bush's personal space ,and it made for a very awkward moment. Bush made light of it, and it symbolized Bush's "likeability" and Gore's awkwardness.