The first debate took place at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Jim Lehrer of PBS was the moderator and it was a typical 90 minute format (PBS).

 

first half debate transcript, second half debate transcript (COD)

full debate video (NBC)

 

Voter Reaction (interviews by PBS) on a diverse group of swing voters

SCOTT MacCORMACK, Computer Consultant, Republican, Denver: Ross Perot had the most to gain in this debate, and I think did gain the most in this debate.

MS. HUNTER-GAULT: Why?

SCOTT MacCORMACK: Well, his answers were somewhat simplistic, but that’s perhaps good on TV and in the time span he had. He was funny and humorous.

ROBIN GANZERT: The debate tonight reinforced my opinion that Bush does not have a vision for reforming America during the next four years. They enforced my feelings for Clinton. He performed very well. He looked like a true statesman. His answers were very well stated. He had statistics to back it up, and I’m going to vote for Clinton still

JAMBEY CLINKSCALES: I think this is the second time that Bush has had an opportunity to speak to me and convince me that he could do better in the next four years than he has this four years. And I’m not sure that he did anything in that direction. I think that although I’m leaning towards Clinton, I still have my doubts, but I was impressed, if anything, with his sincerity. He seemed to look at the camera lot, to look at the American people like he was talking directly to them

These are immediate emotions regarding the first debate from undecided voters and one can see their issues. They tend to emphasize the opportunity of debates to convince, and reinforce their opinions, which are factors for voting.  Viewers are intrigued by Ross Perot’s one liners and how “real” he seemed on stage.

This a response from Perot regarding experience for the white house position:

“Well, they’ve got a point. I don’t have any experience in running up a $4 trillion debt.” (COD).  This simple opening phrase to the debate by Perot ignited the crown and gave him an early advantage.

 

GWEN CLINKSCALES, Teacher, Independent, New York City: I think he’s definitely back in (Perot), and like I said before, it certainly made the debate more exciting. Otherwise, I think the debate would have been quite boring, and I probably would have turned it off, but because of his one-liners, his humor, and the change, you know, the kinds of things that he was talking about, he was a little more real than the other candidates.

The way a candidate can resonate to his viewers is important. Polls defend these opinions.