Presidential debates fail to tip elections despite JFK-Nixon mythology
Photo credit: Getty Images | This combination of file photos shows Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (L) speaking during an address to the 39th Conservative Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C. and President Barack Obama (R) speaking during a campaign event at Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, Florida. (Feb. 10, 2012; July 19, 2012)
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Presidential debates have produced some of the most memorable moments of modern campaigns: A tanned and relaxed John Kennedy meeting a sweaty and pasty Richard Nixon in 1960. Gerald Ford denying Soviet domination of Eastern Europe in 1976. Al Gore sighing and rolling his eyes in 2000.
For all the lore and media buildup, the events haven’t had much impact on election outcomes.
“Where...
