It’s September in Leap Year and that means we’re in the midst of yet another closely contested Presidential campaign in these United States. So here at TakePart we thought it might be a good time to take a look back through the years to the most pivotal and memorable campaign moments to grace the small screen since the inception of television as a mass medium.
They’re not all deep, indeed some of them are downright petty. Some highlight an age in American politics where a quick dig, an easily accessible narrative or simply the impression conveyed by bits of picture and audio substituted for an honest dialogue with the public about the governmental and economic forces which shape their lives. Others show truly thought provoking moments that blend medium and message seamlessly without degrading either. So here they are…for better or worse…your TakePart Top 10 Presidential Campaign Moment of the Television Age!
10. 1980 Jimmy Carter - Ronald Reagan Debate - “There you go again…”
The 1980 Presidential race between incumbent Jimmy Carter and California Governor Ronald Reagan marked a turning point in politics in this country. It also bears many similarities to the race now at hand between Barack Obama and John McCain in terms of the issues at play, notably energy, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and healthcare. In this moment, Reagan gave a glimpse of the next 28 years of medical care following his election in his dismissive, waving off “There you go again” response to Jimmy Carter bringing up the issue of health coverage for American citizens. An issue that has only gotten progressively worse to this day.
