The first public debate between the two major party presidential candidates occurred in 1960 when John F. Kennedy faced off with Richard Nixon in four nationally televised debates. More than 60 million viewers watched each of the debates. While the 1960 presidential debates have widely been credited with shaping the election and influencing the decisions of millions of voters, no presidential debates were held in the next three presidential elections. In 1976, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford became the second pair of presidential candidates in American history to meet in a series of public debates. Since that time, though, the major presidential candidates have met in debates every four years.
Many voters watch the debates to find out where each of the candidates stands on the issues.
Others watch to gauge how well the candidates hold up under pressure and how they think on their feet. Its primary purpose is to sponsor and produce debates for the United States presidential and vice presidential candidates and to undertake research and educational activities relating to the debates. Following the recommendations of these two respected panels, the Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987. A nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, the CPD is not affiliated with any political party. It does not lobby, take positions on political issues, or report on elections.