Will A Moment From A Vice Presidential Debate In 1988 Be Repeated During A Presidential Debate In 2020?

The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, often compares himself to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.   

With President Trump (DOB 14 June 1946; age 74) constantly referencing the advanced age of former Vice President Joe Biden (DOB 20 November 1942; age 77) as a handicap, might we prepare for the following exchange during one of their three scheduled debates? 

President Trump: I’ve done more for this country than any president, including President Lincoln. 

Former Vice President Biden: Mr. President, I served with Abe Lincoln.  I knew Abe Lincoln.  Abe Lincoln was a friend of mine.  Mr. President, you’re no Abe Lincoln. 

The relevant portion of the 6 October 1988 vice-presidential debate from the Commission on Presidential Debates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMaEC-C4Y20 

Tom Brokaw: Senator Quayle, I don't mean to beat this drum until it has no more sound in it. But to follow up on Brit Hume's question, when you said that it was a hypothetical situation, it is, sir, after all, the reason that we're here tonight, because you are running not just for Vice President—(Applause)—and if you cite the experience that you had in Congress, surely you must have 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 just in the last 25 years or so.  

Quayle: Let me try to answer the question one more time. I think this is the fourth time that I've had this question.  

Brokaw: The third time.  

Quayle: Three times that I've had this question—and I will try to answer it again for you, as clearly as I can, because the question you're asking is, "What kind of qualifications does Dan Quayle have to be president," "What kind of qualifications do I have," and "What would I do in this kind of a situation?" And what would I do in this situation? ... I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of vice president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. I will be prepared to deal with the people in the Bush administration, if that unfortunate event would ever occur.  

Judy Woodruff: Senator Bentsen?  

Bentsen: Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy. (Prolonged shouts and applause.) What has to be done in a situation like that is to call in the—  

Woodruff: (Admonishing applauders) Please, please, once again you are only taking time away from your own candidate.  

Quayle: That was really uncalled for, Senator. (Shouts and applause.)  

Bentsen: You are the one that was making the comparison, Senator—and I'm one who knew him well. And frankly I think you are so far apart in the objectives you choose for your country that I did not think the comparison was well-taken.

181003_abc_archives_bentsen_quayle_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg
Previous
Previous

Will Trump Be Biden’s Mondale? Will Reagan Do For Biden What Reagan Did To Mondale?

Next
Next

Lack Of International Travel, Visitors To The White House, And UN General Assembly- President Trump Impacted More Than Former Vice President Biden