Debate night is a huge night for politicians, affording them the rare chance to talk directly challenge the statements made by their opponents. It is also an opportunity for the candidates to make some damaging gaffes. Here are ten of the worst.
"There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe."
When Gerald Ford was asked a question about the Soviet Domination of Eastern Europe, no one, not even the moderator, expected Ford to claim that the Soviets did not have a sphere of influence over nations like Poland, Yugoslovia or Romania. Yet, Ford claimed that, and even repeated his claim when questioned again. His answer stopped his surging poll numbers and may have very well cost Ford an extremely close 1976 election.
"I think you know that I’ve opposed the death penalty during all of my life"
When Bernard Shaw asked Michael Dukakis if his wife were raped and murdered, would he seek the death penalty, Dukakis said no, as expected. However, given the personal nature of the question, Dukakis' straight answer and immediate shift to a prepared response was viewed as cold and widened the already large disconnect between Dukakis and the American people.
"Oops"
Rick Perry made an unforced error when he was talking about his flat tax plan and his view of a reduced government. Perry stated that he would cut three agencies of the federal government, but then was only able to list two. While other members on the stage tried to help him, he continued to struggle, before letting out a dejected 'oops'. Perry had led in many Republican primary polls before his repeated issues in the GOP debates ended his chances as a viable candidate.
"Who am I? Why am I here?"
Admiral Stockdale's opening statement of "Who am I? Why am I here?" might have actually worked had been been able to remind the American people of his distinguished military service or provided some insight into his political views. Instead, he managed to turn off his hearing aid during one point in the debate and became a largely comic figure afterwords.
