Quote by Dwight D Eisenhower
I have serious doubts about the value of debates in a presidential election. They tend to be a test of reaction time rather than a genuine exposition of the participants philosophies and programs. Further, in debate, candidates tend to overstate their views. In the 1960 situation I had a very practical objection: Nixon was widely known; Kennedy was not; dramatic debates would therefore help Kennedy.
Summary
This quote suggests skepticism towards the importance of debates in presidential elections. The author questions their value, arguing that instead of providing a deep understanding of the candidates' philosophies and programs, debates often emphasize quick reactions. Furthermore, candidates tend to exaggerate their views during debates. The author also provides a practical objection based on the 1960 election, in which the well-known Nixon could be overshadowed by the relatively less-known Kennedy through the use of dramatic debates. Therefore, the quote portrays doubts about debates as an accurate representation of candidates' abilities and policy proposals.
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