[Publius]

In the elections of 1964, 1968 and 1972, there were no "debates." (I use the term "debate" because it's really just a joint press conference, not a real debate.)

In 1964, Johnson did not want to give Goldwater legitimacy by appearing on the same stage with him. In 1972, Nixon used the same logic with McGovern.

In 1968, it was understood that if there were going to be "debates," Wallace would have to appear on the same stage with Nixon and Humphrey. Neither candidate wished to grant Wallace legitimacy. The Democrats were afraid that Wallace would steal blue collar union votes from Humphrey, and the Republicans were afraid that Wallace would steal southern votes from Nixon. There was genuine fear that Wallace would grab enough electoral votes to throw the election into the House, which would have created massive political chaos and crashed the financial markets.

Trump should not appear on the same stage with the Democratic nominee lest that give the Democratic candidate legitimacy.

[frank ballenger]

No debates in several elections past....

Great post. Just my kind of thing.

I think for anyone to be qualified to disagree with you they should have a signup date on FR earlier than yours.
(***crickets****)

Thank you for your military service and for your service to FR since 1997.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

That’s great historical perspective and analysis. Thanks for pointing those things out.

This time round there is no “Democrat” candidate. They are all “CPUSA” candidates.