Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton are introduced during the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
ADVANCE FOR MONDAY, SEPT. 5 AND THEREAFTER - FILE - In this Oct. 21, 1960 file photo, Sen. John F. Kennedy, D-Mass., right, speaks and Vice President Richard M. Nixon listens during the fourth presidential debate from a New York studio. The fall debates are always a big part of any presidential campaign. But with many 2016 voters underwhelmed by both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, this yearâs debates could well be more influential than usual. (AP Photo, File)
Carter vs Ford | It was not until 1976 that the world saw another of such TV debates. The contest was between Democrat Jimmy Carter and Republican Gerald Ford, who had taken over after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Since 1976, each presidential election has also featured a series of vice-presidential debates. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Carter vs Regan | With years of experience in front of a camera as an actor, the then Governor of California Ronald Reagan came across much better than Carter. This gave Reagan an edge over President Carter. It was learnt later that the Reagan campaign had access to internal debate briefing materials for Carter; this leak led to a public scandal called ‘Debategate’ in 1983. (Photo: AP)
Clinton vs Bush | The year 1992 had an additional stand at the podium. A third-party candidate, billionaire Ross Perot, running against President George H.W. Bush and the Democratic nominee Governor Bill Clinton was included in the debate that year. (Photo: Reuters)
Gore vs Bush | A presidential debate is not Constitutionally mandated but is now considered de facto in the election process. In the picture from the elections in 2000, Republican presidential nominee and Texas Governor George W. Bush (L) and Democratic Party presidential nominee and Vice-president Al Gore are seen during the debate. (Photo: Reuters)
Obama vs McCain | The Presidential debate, which is televised across the country, takes place usually at a university with a large audience of over 1,500 people. Seen in the picture are Republican candidate John McCain (R) and Democrat Barack Obama (L) during their third and final presidential debate in 2008. (Photo: Reuters)
Biden vs Palin | Vice-presidential debates are not given as much importance as its presidential counterparts. But 2008 was a unique case. Republican vice-presidential nominee and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was criticised for being ‘unqualified’ to be the vice-president and her arguments from debates have been parodied on many TV shows across the US. Seen in the picture are Governor Palin and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden, prior to their debate in 2008. (Photo: Reuters)
Obama vs Romney | A debate lasts for 90 minutes without any break in between. A set of topics, chosen by the moderator, is announced before to the candidates. All these years, there have been three presidential debates in each election cycle. In the photo, President Barack Obama answers a question as Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney listens during the first 2012 debate. (Photo: Reuters)