Posted on 10/09/2020 5:46:35 PM PDT by Lenora Thompson
His name was Protagoras. He taught the Art of Debate in Ancient Greece from approximately 481-411 B.C. and is still regarded as the Father of the Debate. "One can imagine an Athenian father wondering why he was laying out all those drachmas only to end up with a son who argued with him at dinner," writes Frank McCall.
In the United States, the tradition of political debate goes back to a punishing series of seven, count 'em, seven debates Abraham Lincoln and his challenger, Senator Stephen Douglas, undertook in 1858. This started our lively tradition of political debates undertaken by choice but not actually required by law nor the Constitution.
The debates are intended to sway voters who might be on the fence...though how anyone could be on the fence, especially during this election, is beyond me and mine!
Is it just me or have the two debates (so far) been devoid of the usual long, number-laden arguments about whose plan actually balances the budget? I don't recall the usual nitty-gritty detail. I also don't recall any humor, just the Democrat's rudeness.
Shame, because it's the humorous quips we remember and tell our children about. They used to be so much better than, "Will you shut up, man?" and Kamala's imperious "I'M SPEAKING." What's happened to humor? To cracking up your opponent? To having a twinkle in your eye during the debate?
If Kamala thought her haughty air of condescension would sway hearts and minds, she couldn't be more wrong. Laughter works much better. It may not be intellectual, but that's what voters remember.
Aw, heck with it. After the last two debates, we all need some hearty, belly laughter. Here, for your viewing enjoyment, are some of the funniest debate moments from the last forty years.
https://youtu.be/hk53qOhq40M
https://youtu.be/NRCWbFFRpnY
https://youtu.be/ZoNzwJGkM8s
https://youtu.be/j_Ugl2DUWKg
https://youtu.be/fJhCjMfRndk
Gotta love Rick Perry.
The last is the Reagan/Mondale, it just killed. So much so the Election was over at that moment.
He laughed at himself so brilliantly. That’s what Kamala should’ve done.
I was only 4 so I didn’t see Reagan/Mondale moment but my dad told that story about it over and over again. He said the same thing. Reagan won at that moment! :)
You said 5 hilarious videos. Whats “hilarious” about the nasty and personal Lloyd Bentson insult to Dan Quayle?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.