Decisive moments in US presidential debates: from Kennedy-Nixon to Trump-Biden, an indelible mark on politics. The importance of image, preparation, and respect in the political arena.

Presidential debates in the United States have been settings of intense and decisive moments throughout history, setting trends in politics and leaving an indelible mark on collective memory. From the first televised black-and-white debate between Kennedy and Nixon in 1960 to the heated discussions between Trump and Biden in 2020, these events have been crucial for the country's presidential elections. The first televised debate in U.S. history took place on September 26, 1960, pitting Richard Nixon against John F. Kennedy. This event marked a turning point by highlighting the importance of image in politics, with Kennedy looking tanned and confident while Nixon appeared pale and sweaty. Although the impact on the electorate cannot be definitively determined, Kennedy emerged victorious in the election. In 1976, during the debate between Ford and Carter, Gerald Ford made a colossal mistake by denying the presence of Soviet troops in Eastern Europe, costing him points in his campaign and affecting his credibility during the Cold War. This incident underscored the importance of preparation and accurate information in presidential debates. Age has also been a relevant topic in debates, as evidenced in the encounter between Reagan and Mondale in 1984. Despite being 73 years old, Reagan turned his age into a strength by refusing to politicize the issue and focusing his campaign on other aspects, demonstrating that experience and wisdom can be more valuable than youth. In 1992, the three-way debate between Bush, Clinton, and Perot revealed the importance of candidates' image and attitude. Bush's dismissive attitude, repeatedly checking his watch during a question from the audience, generated criticism and highlighted the need to maintain composure and respect in these encounters. Humor has also had its place in debates, as demonstrated by Obama in 2012 when he responded with irony to Romney about the U.S. Navy, generating humor and virality on social media. This moment reflected the candidates' ability to use wit and eloquence to their advantage in debates. The 2016 debate between Trump and Clinton was characterized by its virulence and personal attacks, with Trump threatening to investigate Clinton and her responding firmly. This intense confrontation revealed the tensions and divisions in American politics at that time, marking a milestone in the country's polarization. The confrontation between Trump and Biden in 2020 was particularly tense, with constant interruptions and personal attacks from both candidates. The lack of respect and aggressiveness in this debate reflected the politically charged atmosphere in the country and the difficulty of maintaining constructive dialogue amid confrontation. In conclusion, presidential debates in the United States have been settings of crucial moments that have left an indelible mark on the country's political history. These events have demonstrated the importance of preparation, image, attitude, and respect in the political arena, as well as the need to promote constructive and respectful dialogue among candidates for the benefit of democracy and society as a whole.