The October 2000 showdown was seen by some as a deciding factor in that presidential race. Our oral history reveals lessons for the 2016 Democratic nominee.
Note to Hillary Clinton: You can be whip-smart in a presidential debate, yet still blow it spectacularly. Just ask Al Gore.
The vice president had the advantage going into his first debate against Gov. George W. Bush of Texas on Oct. 3, 2000. Like Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Gore was perceived as knowing far more about domestic issues, foreign affairs and the art of debating than the Republican nominee. He also had a modest lead in several national polls.
Many Democrats believed Mr. Bush would look like a policy lightweight compared with Mr. Gore, an assumption that many have made about Donald J. Trump. But Mr. Bush had surprises in store. And Mr. Gore was undone by impulses he could not control.
No other presidential debate has more resonance — or red flags — for Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump, who will face off on Monday for the first time. This is the story of that first debate between Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore, as told to me recently by people who were deeply involved in the event — including some who believe it cost Mr. Gore the presidency.
More: www.nytimes.com
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