Campaigns & Elections October/November 1996

Presidential Debate I
October 6, 1996

Debate Score Card

Prepared by Ron Faucheux, Editor and Publisher

(See the Campaigns & Elections "Debate Watcher's Guide" for details).

Follow-up questions, please call
202-638-7788 (day) or
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FINAL SCORE: CLINTON 64, DOLE 56

While Dole did well in a number of areas, he failed to accomplish his goal of changing the dynamic of the entire election with his performance. Clinton was very cautious, which put him on the defensive often. Nevertheless, Clinton's goal was to avoid mistakes and self-inflicted injuries -- which he did. Neither candidate made a major blunder and both lost a number of opportunities; Dole missed opportunities because of his failure as an effective communicator; Clinton missed them because of his calculated risk avoidance strategy. Dole used his humor very well in most instances which helped blunt his image as being too old and too mean. Dole fell short in landing the knock-out punches that he needed to deliver. Dole's opening statement was particularly poor, while Clinton's was good. Dole did succeed in boxing Clinton in on some issues, such as school choice and Whitewater pardons.

EACH CANDIDATE BEGINS WITH 50 POINTS.

CLINTON +50, DOLE +50

Part A -- Add Points

1. Did candidate meet or exceed expectations?
CLINTON +1, DOLE +5
Because Clinton is seen as an effective TV performer, and Dole isn't, Clinton had less to gain on this question -- while Dole had a lot to gain if he performed particularly well. Clinton was very cautious throughout the debate, and missed opportunities -- as he avoided risks.

2. Did candidate accomplish what he needed to do?
CLINTON +7, DOLE +2
Above all, Clinton needed to avoid mistakes and self-inflicted injuries. Dole needed to change the dynamic of the entire election with this debate -- a tough task, perhaps impossible. Dole needed to keep Clinton on the defensive and at some point land a knock-out punch. Dole needed to win this debate -- a clear win. Clinton simply needed not to lose it.

3. Did candidate control agenda and remain on the offense?
CLINTON +1, DOLE +2
Dole tried many times to put Clinton on the defensive, but generally failed. At one point, Dole boxed Clinton into saying he was for "school choice." Dole put Clinton on the defense with the school choice issue.

4. Did candidate get the better of the opposition in key exchanges or confrontations?
CLINTON +3, DOLE +4
Dole's use of wit that "Clinton's better off" than he was 4 years ago" was effective, as were his cracks about "you'll be eligible" for tax cuts and trial lawyers. Dole missed an opportunity on teenage drugs, potentially his best attack issue. Dole handled the gun issue well and used his advocacy of the "instant check" effectively. On the school choice issue, Dole seemed to get to Clinton, making him angry.

5. Did the candidate answer questions effectively?
CLINTON +5, DOLE +5
Neither candidate handled the "bridge to the future" question as well as they should have. It was an opportunity for Dole to take the sting out of it, and he didn't. Clinton missed an opportunity to drive the issue home; Clinton acted with caution here, fearing a bold strike would be too risky. Clinton gave safe answers. Dole has so much to do with some of his answers that he just wasn't able to do it all.

SUBTOTAL OF ADDED POINTS:
CLINTON +67, DOLE +68

Part B -- Deduct Points

Candidate Appearance:(May deduct up to 5 points)

Hair & Grooming
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Tired & worn
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Clothing inappropriate, sloppy
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Make-up not well done
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Poor posture
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Unpleasant, distracting facial expressions
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1
Even though he tried to smile and look pleasant, Dole did not always succeed.

Tone:
(May deduct up to 5 points)

Too negative, nasty
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1
Dole's comment that he was referring to Clinton as Mr. President, while Clinton didn't do that for Bush, didn't work. Dole has an inherent inability to deliver attacks -- even solid, well documented ones -- without, at least on occasion, looking a little balky. Dole's use of humor did help him, though.

Weak, uncertain
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Humorless, too intense
CLINTON -2, DOLE -0
Clinton avoided bold statements and humor. He did not want to look flip or immature. Dole generally used wit well.

Obnoxious, arrogant, ornery
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Speaking Style:
(May deduct up to 5 points)

Garbled, confused expression of ideas
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1

Incomplete, fragmented statements
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1

Inability to stay within time limit
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0
Dole did well using humor when he ran out of time on a question -- when he simply said "food" when given a chance to complete his statement. Clinton, who is usually very talkative, did well clipping his answers.

Poor eye contact
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1
Overall, Clinton did better connecting with the audience.

Speaking too fast,too slow
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Too automated, canned
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Too loud, too low
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Lack of animation
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Low energy level
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Monotonous, no inflection
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

General Matters:
(May deduct up to 5 points)

Unprepared, lack of knowledge
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Nervousness
CLINTON -1, DOLE -2
Dole was nervous in the opening. Clinton generally looked comfortable but on occasion seemed restive. Dole's hands often shook.

Ineffective opening
CLINTON -0, DOLE -4
Clinton spelled out his re-election message very clearly, using facts and figures. His opening "tip of his hat" to Dole was intended to set up Dole to look mean if he attacked too hard. Dole's opening did not present a clear message or contrast. He was nervous, shaky, and failed to frame his agenda for the evening.

Ineffective closing
CLINTON -0, DOLE -1

Lack of alertness
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Stiff and wooden
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Disorganized presentation
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Other:
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0

Major Blunders: (May deduct up to 10 points)

Serious gaffe, embarrassing misstatement, or erroneous declaration
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0
Both candidates did well avoiding major errors.

Loss of cool, unpleasant display of anger or irritation
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0
Both did well keeping cool.

Poor handling of an exchange with opponent or questioner
CLINTON -0, DOLE -0
Dole missed opportunities on teenage drugs and personal integrity. Clinton's caution held him back, but prevented risks.

TOTAL POINT DEDUCTIONS (Part B)
CLINTON -3, DOLE -12

FINAL SCORE:

BILL CLINTON 64

BOB DOLE 56