Ep 59. Vice Presidential Debate 2012 from ABC News and Yahoo News: The Candidates Debate
- Not Rated
- October 11, 2012
On October 11, 2012, Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan faced off in the only vice presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle. The debate, which took place at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, was moderated by Martha Raddatz of ABC News.
The ABC News Specials season 1 episode 59, named "Vice Presidential Debate 2012 from ABC News and Yahoo News: The Candidates Debate," provides an in-depth analysis of the debate, the issues discussed, and the impact it had on the presidential race.
The episode features interviews with Biden and Ryan, as well as political analysts, strategists, and journalists who offer their insights and reactions to the debate. The special also includes clips from the debate, allowing viewers to see how the candidates responded to the questions asked by Raddatz.
One of the key issues discussed during the debate was foreign policy, particularly the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Biden and Ryan offered contrasting views on how the Obama administration had handled the situation, with Biden defending the administration's response and Ryan criticizing it.
Another issue that received a lot of attention during the debate was the economy. Biden and Ryan both outlined their plans for job creation and reducing the deficit, with Ryan emphasizing the need for tax cuts and deregulation and Biden advocating for a more targeted approach focused on investing in education and infrastructure.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the different debating styles of Biden and Ryan. Biden, known for his folksy, off-the-cuff remarks, sought to portray himself and the Obama administration as experienced leaders who had turned around the economy despite inheriting a difficult situation from the previous administration. Ryan, on the other hand, sought to present himself and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as the solution to the country's problems, emphasizing their belief in free enterprise and smaller government.
The episode also delves into the media coverage of the debate and how it was received by the public. The ABC News and Yahoo News teams conducted instant polls after the debate to gauge viewers' reactions, and the results are analyzed in the special. Additionally, the episode explores the impact that the debate had on the overall presidential race, with commentators discussing how it may have influenced voters' perceptions of the candidates and their policies.
Overall, "Vice Presidential Debate 2012 from ABC News and Yahoo News: The Candidates Debate" provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in the 2012 presidential race. From the issues discussed to the personalities and debating styles of the candidates, viewers get an in-depth analysis of the debate and its impact on the election.