Eight Lessons for the Presidential Debates
What are the key dos and don'ts the candidates should remember when campaigning for the White House?
- By Kenneth C. Davis
- Smithsonian.com, October 03, 2012
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Lesson 4: Leave Comedy to the Pros
While on the subject of laughter, nothing is lamer than a stiff politician who can’t do punch lines. Most can’t. Ronald Reagan could and in a 1984 debate with Walter Mondale, he successfully defused the “age issue” when he said, “I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” Of course, Reagan came to politics with an advantage. He was a veteran actor who once co-starred with a chimp. He knew funny and could deliver his lines.
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