The third and final debate was held at Michigan State University, in East Lansing on October 19th. Jim Lehrer moderated and it was the standard form of debate with each candidate at a podium. (PBS)

 

transcript (COD)

The third debate had no special fireworks, or memorable moments but it was a solidifying event. Post debate polls showed similar ratings between the candidates with Perot having a slight advantage in terms of performance.  But to aid my argument, it seems as if this debate had no effect on CHANGING the election. It solidified peoples opinions on Clinton  who was favorite entering the debates.

Here is some post debate discussion between Jim Lehrer and his colleagues.

Lehrer: 24 hours later, is there a conventional wisdom about what happened last night?

MR. GERGEN: Well, I think — the — what we saw in that room is what I’ve seen around the country. I think Mark has also seen it repeatedly when he talked to groups around the country. Say, what’s your preference, you get one indication. But you ask them what’s the outcome, you’ve got almost universal belief. This is prior to the debate that Bill Clinton was going to win this. The election fundamentally has not changed. It remains today what it was before the debates.

MR. LEHRER: Do you look at it that way, Linda, that things did not change, all they did was firm up what was already in place?

MS. CHAVEZ: Well, I think that is — is what ended up happening.   (PBS)