Bush had been in office for four years, his sole strength was foreign policy, and we were relatively comfortable with our standing in the eyes of other nations. Most thought it would be an easy re-election for the republican. But the shape of the economy had been deteriorating and voters public opinion of the candidates were changing (pomper). The debates were fast approaching and George Bush was feeling pressure. A young Democrat named Bill Clinton from Arkansas was his challenger. By October Bush was running behind in the polls and he had to debate with a formidable, more articulate and practiced opponent. It was not looking good. Oh and to make things even more interesting, Ross Perot re-entered the race to stir things up as an independent. It was time for the American people to hear from their candidates- it was time to debate.