In 1984, Vice President George Bush debated his Democratic opponent, Geraldine Ferraro.  Bush was Ronald Reagan's running mate, Ferraro was running with Walter Mondale.

When the Republicans first went "Red."  In 1984, when Reagan-Bush were re-elected, the famous electoral maps of the networks began to change.  Until this time Democrats were always "Red," presumably because they were to the left of the Republicans.  The media finally wised up and switched.  As David Brinkley explains the change, "Red for Reagan."

You will notice in this telecast that Peter Jennings refers to "losing" Pennsylvania.  Meaning, it also went for Reagan.  Then, as today, it was not hard to figure out who the media favored.

The Bush Campaign was heavily criticized for this Willie Horton ad.  In fact, it was produced by an independent organization and was neither coordinated nor financed by Bush.  Nevertheless, the American people, both African American and white, overwhelmingly supported a tougher stand against violent crime.

A defining moment in the 1988 debates. From the long view of history, most would say that Bush won his debate series with Governor Michael Dukakis and the deciding moment was not what Bush said or did, but rather how the Governor reacted so unemotional to this question.

George H. W. Bush wins the presidency.  Although the media expected it to be close, George H. W. Bush won the 1988 election in a landslide.