Presidential Debate records, 1992, 1996

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Summary

Creators:
University of San Diego University Relations
Abstract:
This collection contains planning materials, videos, and news clippings for the University of San Diego's hosting of the 1992 and 1996 Presidential Debates. The 1992 debate was ultimately canceled, but the 1996 debate went forth as scheduled.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, Presidential Debate records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains planning records, videos, and news clippings associated with both the 1992 and 1996 Presidential Debates. 1992 Debate records cover the selection and subsequent cancellation of USD as a host site. News clippings also cover the controversy between the Bush and Clinton campaigns over why the debate was canceled. 1996 Debate records include correspondence, site selection and visitation information, planning meeting records, and contract information with the Commission on Presidential Debates. Design records featuring the debate logo which was placed on Media Kit items, t-shirts, lapel pins, and stationary are included. Short news cast videos are included along with promotional videos of USD, videos of debate preparation, and coverage of the debate. Also included are contact sheets with photographs of the event; newspaper articles covering site selection and the Debate; and a scrapbook of photographs, news, and event programs.

Biographical / historical:

1992 Debate

In August 1992, the Commission on Presidential Debates selected the University of San Diego as one of four Presidential Debate venues. The debate between President George Bush, then Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and Texas businessman Ross Perot was to be held on Sunday October 4, 1992. Debates were also scheduled for Michigan State University, Louisville, Kentucky, and the University of Richmond in Virginia. The Bush campaign, however, had not formally confirmed attendance at these debates due to issue with the debate format. After confirmation deadlines passed, the debates in Kentucky and San Diego were canceled and the Michigan debate was rescheduled. Later dates were then added to the schedule, leaving a 9 day span for all of the debates. Debates were held at Washington University of St. Louis on October 11th, the University of Richmond on October 15th, and Michigan State University on October 19th. A Vice Presidential Debate was held on October 13th at Georgia Tech.

In order to be selected as a debate site, the University of San Diego needed to raise $500,000 dollars in debate hosting costs, transform Shiley Theatre into a televised debate studio, and transform the cafeteria into a press center for 2,000 reporters and technicians. Additional events were also planned including a Debate Forum, a candlelight tribute to the candidates and a mural wall constructed by the Associated Students.

1996 Debate

The University of San Diego was again chosen as a debate host site for the 1996 Presidential Debate between President Bill Clinton and Senator Bob Dole. Announced in January 1996, the Debate would be held October 16, 1996 in a town hall format. Hartford, CT was the site of the first debate held on October 6, 1996. Washington University of St. Louis was also selected as a site, but the event was canceled.

The Presidential Debate at the University of San Diego was held on October 16th in a newly renovated Shiley Theatre. C-SPAN offered live coverage of the debate. USD Director of Public Relations Jack Cannon served as the Chair of the Debate Planning Committee and oversaw planning and communication for the event. Additional events were planned in conjunction with the debate including a Corporate Associates Debate Luncheon featuring a panel forum of media and political figures, a Debate Gala, a World Media Pre-Debate reception for national and international media personnel, and KNSD/KSDO Debate Watch. Special single-unit courses with a debate theme were offered to students, as well as music and theatre presentation events and an exhibition in the Founders Gallery.

Processing information:

This collection was processed by Ashley Toutain in 2017.

Arrangement:
This collection is organized into three series:
  1. Series I: Presidential Debate, 1992
  2. Series II: Presidential Debate, 1996
  3. Series III: Debate Videos
Series II is further arranged into three subseries:
  1. A. Debate Planning Records
  2. B. Debate Binders
  3. C. Scrapbook
Series III is further arranged into two subseries:
  1. A. 1992 Debate
  2. B. 1996 Debate
Physical description:
5 total boxes, 3 oversize (5 linear feet)
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, Presidential Debate records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections.

Location of this collection:
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110 2492, US
Contact:
(619) 260-2730
spcoll@sandiego.edu
Website