Debates on demand

BBC News Online provides video coverage of the US Presidential and Vice Presidential debates in the run up to the election on 7 November. Also click on the links below for archives of previous presidential debates.

3 October

First presidential debate, John F. Kennedy Library at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Democratic Vice-President Al Gore and Republican Texas governor George W Bush squared up for the 90-minute clash which focused on issues ranging from taxation to foreign policy.

The two men have been running neck and neck in the opinion polls with only five weeks of campaigning left.

However, most analysts agree that neither man appeared to deliver a knock-out blow during the debate, or emerge as a clear winner. The contest was characterised by a relentless recitation of fact by Mr Gore, countered by the more down-to-earth style of Mr Bush.

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5 October

Vice presidential debate, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. Democrat Joe Lieberman and former Defence Secretary Dick Cheney square up.

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11 October

Second presidential debate, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The candidates focused on foreign policy and steered clear of bitter exchanges in their second face-to-face televised debate.

In a first half dominated by global affairs, both men called on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to restrain the violence in the Middle East and stated strong support for Israel.

But they disagreed over the degree of US intervention abroad and the Clinton administration's handling of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

The BBC's Rob Watson says that neither man appeared to deliver a knockout blow during this debate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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17 October

Third presidential debate, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri

Democrat Al Gore went on the offensive against Republican George W Bush on in the third and final debate between the US presidential candidates before polling day.

In an attempt to regain the upper hand in the presidential race, Mr Gore attacked his rival over his policies on health, education and taxes.

However, Mr Bush accused the vice-president of being a "big spender" in the mould of previous Democrats who have sought - and failed - to reach the White House.

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As part of our coverage, we have taken a selection of highlights from our archive to give a flavour of past confrontations.

Debates have played a part in American politics since 1858, but it is only since the advent of television in the 1960s that they have become such a key part of the campaign.

1960

The first TV debate was one of the pivotal moments in television. Richard Nixon came across as shifty and dull compared to a charismatic John F. Kennedy.

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1976

President Ford said Poland would never be dominated by the Soviet Union even though it was already under communist control. Jimmy Carter went on to win the election.

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1984

Ronald Reagan was re-elected after his contest with Walter Mondale because his (sometimes unwise) quips helped him connect with voters.

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1988

Classic Vice-Presidential debate where Lloyd Bentsen jumped on Dan Quayle after the latter compared himself to a young JFK.

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1992

George Bush called Bill Clinton's patriotism into question during a three way debate with Ross Perot.

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