Blog #15

The Presidential and Vice- Presidential Debates In their Historical Context

If we place the debates in their historical context, we can see a progression and change of ideas over the years. In this case I am putting them in comparison with the Lincoln Douglas debates as we all know took place in 1858.

With that note, placing either of these debates in their historical context wouldn't be aloud, it would be unheard of. Having a black man run for president, wouldn't even be taken seriously because blacks weren't even considered citizens back then. With the vice presidential debate as well, Sarah Palin is a women, back then she would have been in the house taking care of the children, not in front of a podium telling America what their future plans are.

Now putting these debates in their historical context with the structure of the debates, that is a whole other ball park. These debates are set up in a way the presidential candidates can have a more open discussion with the American people and the last 2 debates have been unscripted, unlike say the Lincoln-Douglas debates. They were 1 and a half hour scripted speeches. So in a way, present time debates are harder then prehistorical debates.