总统辩论(中英对照).docVIP

Presidential Debates 　　Debates among candidates are rare in most countries. But they have become a staple1 of American politics, particularly during the last 25 years. Americans like debates because the candidates can be compared in an unscripted, live performance. The candidates dont know what questions will be asked, nor what their opponent might say. History indicates that a bad performance, particularly a telling gaffe2, can badly damage a candidate in the polls. The debates are a “ key test” of the strength and abilities of the candidates, says CNN analyst Jeff Greenfield. A candidate cannot package himself in debates the way he can in party advertisements but must be quick on his feet3 to respond to unanticipated4 questions and criticisms, he adds. 　　The unforgettable debate quip5 that can deflate6 a candidacy is the worst nightmare of any presidential hopeful.“ There you go again” , Ronald Reagans memorable retort7 to President Jimmy Carter, was a line8 that stuck with both viewers and commentators in the l980 presidential campaign. Carter went on to lose the election, polls showed mostly because of the economy. But Carters debate performance didnt help. Another example was Vice President Walter Mondales deadly question to Senator Gary Hart, his main competitor in the 1984 Democratic primaries, “ Wheres the beef?” Mondale borrowed the line from a hamburger commercial that had used the phrase to suggest that competing products shortchanged9 the consumer. Mondale, in effect, suggested that Harts ideas were short on substance. 　　The potential of debates to damage a vulnerable presidential hopeful is one reason why some candidates, particularly frontrunners10, are reluctant to risk their chances in such an uncontrolled environment--and the fewer debate rules there are,the less control the candidates have.But broadcast presidential debates,both in the primaries and in the general election,are now routine and expected by the American people. It was not always so