The first of two debates between President Ronald Reagan and former Vice President Walter F. Mondale was held in Louisville, Kentucky on October 7, 1984. Barbara Walters was the debate moderator. James Weigart, Diane Sawyer, and Fred Barnes were the three panelists who asked questions.

This first debate was on the economy and domestic issues. Questions focused on the following topics: the nation’s economy, leadership qualities, religion, political issues, abortion, federal taxation, social welfare programs, the presidential campaign, and closing statements. Reagan won a landslide victory in 1984 winning every state except Minnesota and the District of Columbia.

Note: 43 seconds of the audio (part of Barbara Walter’s introduction) was garbled. The section from 57 seconds to 1 minute 40 seconds was omitted. This omitted section can be seen and heard in the text and video versions at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Search online for “Ronald Reagan major speeches” to see both a text version and a video version of this debate.

Audio recording courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

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