Big John and Ray remembered some of the greatest debate fails of all time. In no particular order, we proudly introduce the best of the worst throughout history.
During a 2012 Republican primary debate, then-Governor Rick Perry had his infamous “oops” moment when he couldn’t remember the three agencies he would eliminate if elected president. The gaffe brought down Perry’s chances heavily at winning the nomination. Shortly after, Perry dropped out of the race.
In 1988, Then-Senator Dan Quayle squared off with Senator Lloyd Bensten in a vice presidential debate moderated by Tom Brokaw, Brit Hume and Judy Woodruff. Brokaw asked Quayle if he had “some plan in mind about what you would do if it fell to you to become President of the United States, as it has to so many Vice Presidents in the last 25 years or so.” Quayle was annoyed at the question, and it had become a running theme throughout his candidacy. “I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of vice president of this country,” Quayle responded. “I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency.”
Senator Bensten was asked to respond by the moderators. “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine,” Bensten said. “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.” Game, set, match.
In another vice presidential debate during the 1992 campaign, three contenders faced off in a triple threat match. Ross Perot’s virtually unknown running mate James Stockdale, who only had 6 days to prepare, made an unfortunate introduction to the American public when he said, “Who am I? Why am I here?”
During a 2010 gubernatorial debate, incumbent Governor Jan Brewer squared off against Terry Goddard. Unfortunately for Brewer, during her opening remarks, she lost her train of thought, leading to a very uncomfortable, lengthy brain freeze.
