In 1986 president bill clinton and republican president ial nominee bob dole debate debater. Twice next their first debate which focused on domestic issues. Jim lehrer moderate at the debate. Good evening from the theater, in connecticut, i am jim lehrer from the news, our on pbs. Welcome to the first of the 1996 president ial debates, between president bill clinton the democratic nominee, and senator bob dole, there were republican nominee. This event has been sponsored by the commission on president ial debates, it will last in 90 minutes, following a format and rules agreed by the campaigns. There will be two minute opening and closing statements. In between, a series of questions. Each having three parts. A 92nd answer a 62nd rebuttal, in a 32nd response. I will assist to candidates in adhering to those time limits, with the help of a series of lights, its about to both. Under their rules, the candidates are not allowed to question each other directly. I will ask the questions, the
How do you i think its difficult. Lets be honest about it, thats why we need Campaign Finance reform. Thats why i reach out to the perot voters. Theyre looking at the republican record. Whatever it is, whatever the check list was in 92, its all done with Campaign Finance reform. I worked with senator mitchell who played me in the debate warmup. We tried six or eight years ago as he appointed three people, i appointed three people to try to get Campaign Finance reform. We couldnt get it done because it wasnt enforceable. You suggested a commission, Newt Gingrich did, i did at least three our four years ago. We sent it to congress to vote it up or down. Thats how it works. Were never going to fix it by the problems because the democrats want a better veg, we want a better advantage as republicans, and thats not how its going to work. I want to touch on the tobacco thing. I want to go back to 1965. That is my first vote against tobacco companies. I said we ought to label cigarettes. I had
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. What a night. Folks in hollywood will be happy to know i finally found a movie i like. The one i just saw. Hello, california. Thank you, san diego. The Republican Convention of them all. The greatest of them all. Thank you president ford and president bush. And god bless you nancy reagan for your moving transport to president reagan. By the way i spoke to president reagan this afternoon and i made him a promise that we would win one more for the gipper. Are you ready . He appreciated it very much. Ladies and gentlemen, del gaits delegates to the convention, i cannot say it more clearly than in plain speaking, i accept your nomination to lead our party again for the presidency of the United States. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will. Thank you. I am profoundly moved by your confidence and your trust. And i look forward to leading america into the next century. At this moment this is not my moment. It is your
[ cheers and applause ] prep applause continues ] thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. What a night. Folks in hollywood will be happy to know i finally found a movie i like. The one i just saw. [ applause ] hello, california. Were ready to go. Thank you, california. And thank you, san diego. For hosting the greatest Republican Convention of them all. The greatest of them all. [ cheers and applause ] thank you president ford and president bush. And god bless you nancy reagan for your moving transport to for your moving tribute to president reagan. [ applause ] by the way i spoke to president reagan this afternoon and i made him a promise that we would win one more for the gipper. Are you ready . [ cheers and applause ] thank you. He appreciated it very much. Ladies and gentlemen, delegates to the convention, and fellow citizens i cannot say it more clearly than in plain speaking, i accept your nomination to lead our party once again for t
A 90second answer, a 60second rebuttal, and a 30second response. I will assist the candidates in adhering to those time limits with the help of a series of lights visible to both. Under their rules, the candidates are not allowed to question each other directly. I will ask the questions. There are no limitations on the subjects. The order for everything tonight was determined by coin toss. Now, to the Opening Statements and to president clinton. Mr. President. Thank you, jim. And thank you to the people of hartford, our hosts. I want to begin by saying again how much i respect senator dole and his record of Public Service and how hard i will try to make this campaign and this debate one of ideas, not insults. Four years ago i ran for president at a time of high unemployment and rising frustration. I wanted to turn this country around with a program of opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and an American Community where everybody has a role to play. I wanted a government that w