Guide to the Presidential Debate records
Finding aid prepared by Ashley Toutain
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619-260-2730
Email: spcoll@sandiego.edu
© 2017
Overview of the Collection
Title:
Presidential Debate records
Date (inclusive): 1992, 1996
Collection number: USDA_2001_001, USDA_2011_005
Creator: University of San Diego University Relations
Extent:
5 total boxes, 3 oversize (5 linear feet)
Repository:
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
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.
Languages:
English
Historical Note
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.
Scope and Content Note
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.
Arrangement
-
Series I: Presidential Debate, 1992
-
Series II: Presidential Debate, 1996
-
Series III: Debate Videos
Series II is further arranged into three subseries:
- A. Debate Planning Records
- B. Debate Binders
- C. Scrapbook
Series III is further arranged into two subseries:
- A. 1992 Debate
- B. 1996 Debate
Alternative Format Available
The 1996 Debate Scrapbook has been digitized.
Access Information
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.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Ashley Toutain in 2017.
Index Terms
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Hughes, Author
Hayes, Alice
Cannon, Jack
Shiley, Darlene
Clinton, Bill, 1946-
Dole, Robert J., 1923-
Bush, George, 1924-
Subjects and Indexing Terms
University of San Diego
University of San Diego. Shiley Theatre
Subjects and Indexing Terms
San Diego (Calif.)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Presidents--United States--Election--1992.
Presidents--United States--Election--1996.
political events
Series I:
Presidential Debate
1992
Scope and Content Note
Records in this series document the selection of USD as a host site for the 1992 Presidential Debate and subsequent cancellation
of the event. Records also include planning materials from the University of Richmond, which remained as a host site for the
1992 debate. News articles about site selection and cancellation of the debate make up a large portion of these materials.
Box/Folder: 1 / 1
Activities and Events [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 2
American Political Network The Hotline
September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 3
Backgrounder (Preliminary Visit)
August 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 4
Commission on Presidential Debates
June - August 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 5
Communication Faculty and Staff
September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 6
Communication Students
September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 7
Contract (Letter of Intent)
August - September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 8
Contributions and Sponsorships
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 9
Correspondence with Elected Officials
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 10
Debate Follow Up
October 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 12
Debate Lottery Students/Winners
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 14
Debate Tickets and Access [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 15
Decision to be a Host Site [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 20
Operational Plans Facilities [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 21
Operational Plans Police and Security [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 22
Post Debate [University of Richmond]
October 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 23
Public Relations and Media [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 24
Student Volunteers [University of Richmond]
September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 25
Presidential Task Force Meetings
September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 26
Press Advisories
August 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 27
Press Clips
August - October 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 28
Site Visits
August - September 1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 29
Task Force Committees [University of Richmond]
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 30
USD Dropped as Debate Site
October 1992
Series II:
Presidential Debate
1996
Scope and Content Note
Records document the planning of the 1996 Presidential Debate held at the University of San Diego. Planning records include
information and meeting materials for the debate planning committee, correspondence regarding the event, financial documents,
the debate contract, and discussions with the Commission on Presidential Debates regarding site selection. Also included are
the debate transcript and news articles covering the University of San Diego as the host site. Records also include Media
Kits, Programs, and Invitations for the debate as well as invitations for the Debate Luncheon.
Subseries A:
Debate planning records
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 32
Presidential Debate
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 34
Activities and Events
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 35
C-SPAN Plans for Coverage
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 37
Community Debate Watch
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 39
Contributions and Sponsorships
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 42
Debate Commission Team Technical Visit
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 43
USD Debate Directory
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 45
Debate Tickets and Access
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 48
Events in Conjunction with the Debate
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 51
KNDO/KNSD Community Forum Proposal
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 53
Presidential Debate Media Coverage
1996-1997
Box/Folder: 1 / 57-58
Debate News Articles
1996
Scope and Content Note
[Includes Hartford Connecticut debate materials. The City of Hartford served as the location for the Vice Presidential debates.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 60
Operations Plans Facilities
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 61
Operations Plans Security
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 62
Operations Plan University Relations Task Force
1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 63
Presidential Debate Task Force
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 64
Presidential Debate Task Force Shiley Theatre Renovation and Parking
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 66
Debate Media Kit folder
1996
Scope and Content Note
[Includes luncheon photographs.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 67-68
Promotional Materials
1996
Scope and Content Note
[Includes materials designed with the 1996 Presidential Debate logo. Material includes folder of University of San Diego brochures,
faculty media guide, press releases, and Presidential Debate pin.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 70
Debate Programs and Debate Luncheon
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 1
Request Forms Public Safety
1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 3
Site Selection Guidelines
1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 7
Trinity College Debate Folder
1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 8
University Relations Calendar
October 1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 9
Unsolicited Correspondence
1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 11
World Press Reception
1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Chicago Tribune
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Chicago Tribune,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Dallas Morning News,
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Dallas Morning News,
October 18, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Hartford Courant,
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Hartford Courant,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Hartford Courant,
October 18, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
New York Post,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
New York Times,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Philadelphia Inquirer,
October 15, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Philadelphia Inquirer,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
San Diego Union Tribune,
October 10, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
San Diego Union Tribune,
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
San Diego Union Tribune,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
San Diego Union Tribune,
October 18, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
San Diego Union Tribune,
October 21, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
St. Louis Post Dispatch,
October 16, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
St. Louis Post Dispatch,
October 17, 1996
Box/Folder: 3 (Oversize)
Vista,
September 12, 1996
Subseries B:
Debate Binders
1996
Scope and Content Note
These records were compiled into four binders by University Relations staff to document all aspects of planning the 1996 Debate,
along with an additional binder of debate photograph contact sheets. Binders are well organized by topic and include materials
such as correspondence, planning, schedules, meeting minutes, campus advisories, preparation information, activity lists for
debate week, and news articles about the event. Much, but not all, of the materials is duplicated in the former records, though
these follow a different organizational structure. These are also a more finalized composition of the debate planning.
Processing/Project Information
Records were originally organized within five binders. These have been transferred to archival boxes and folders for preservation
purposes. Original order has been retained.
Box/Folder: 2 / 12-13
Decision to be a Debate Site
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 1]
Box/Folder: 2 / 14
Presidential Debate Task Force
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 1]
Box/Folder: 2 / 15
Sponsorships and Contributions
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 1]
Box/Folder: 2 / 16
Financial Estimates
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 1]
Box/Folder: 2 / 17-18
Special Events
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 2]
Box/Folder: 2 / 19
Student Involvement Binder
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 2]
Box/Folder: 2 / 20
GALLOP Organization
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 2]
Box/Folder: 2 / 21
Memorabilia and Merchandise
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 2]
Box/Folder: 2 / 22
President Hayes' Debate Activities
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 2 / 23
Media Preparations
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 2 / 24
Press Communications
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 2 / 25
USD Debate Website
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 2 / 26
Event Notices and Calendars
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 2 / 27
Photography
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 2 / 28
Printing
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 2 / 29
Facilities
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 2 / 30
Security
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 2 / 31
Debate Day at the University of San Diego
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 2 / 32-34
Press Coverage from Beginning to End
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 4]
Box/Folder: 4 (Oversize) / 1
Jack Cannon Photographs
1996
Processing/Project Information
[From Binder 3]
Box/Folder: 4 (Oversize) / 2
Second Presidential Debate Contact Sheets
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Binder 5]
Subseries C:
Scrapbook
1996
Scope and Content Note
Debate scrapbook containing photographs of debate preparations, the press area, the Corporate Associates luncheon, Debate
Watch, and of cake models of government buildings. In addition to the photographs, news releases, articles, invitations and
event programs are included in the scrapbook.
Alternative Form of Materials Available
A digitized version of this scrapbook is available as TIFF and PDF.
Box/Folder: 5 (Oversize) / 1
Presidential Debate - Bill Clinton and Bob Dole - University of San Diego
1996
Series III:
Debate Videos
1992,
1996
Scope and Content Note
Videos for the 1992 and 1996 primarily consist of news coverage. These are short newscast clips covering the selection and
cancellation of USD as a debate site in 1992, and the selection and occurrence of the debate at USD in 1996. Also included
is full C-SPAN coverage of the 1996 debate, footage of the Darlene Shiley speech, and Turner Adventure Learning Behind the
Scenes of the 1996 election.
Processing/Project Information
These videos have been transferred from their original VHS format for preservation purposes. Access copies of these videos
are available as DVD. Preservation copies are in .mov format stored in Archive repository and on hard drive.
Subseries A:
1992 Debate
August 14, 1992 - September 29, 1992
Scope and Content Note
13 news clip videos covering the selection of USD as a site for the Presidential Debate, USD's preparation for the Debate,
and the cancellation of the debate. Video length ranges from approximately 1 minute to approximately 7 minutes. News programs
are from local news stations such as KFMB, KGTV, KNSD, and KUSI, along with a national CNN newscast.
Subseries B:
1996 Debate
1996
Scope and Content Note
12 news clip videos featuring USD's selection, planning for the debate, coverage of the debate. News programs from local news
stations such as KFMB, KGTV, and KNSD, along with national newscasts from CNN and C-SPAN. In addition to news clips are the
full-length coverage of the debate, Turner Adventure Learning Behind the Scenes coverage, and footage of USDs preparations.
An interview with Jack Cannon, Chair of the Debate Task Force and footage of Darlene Shiley's speech are also included. Videos
range in length from 30 second news clips, to 20 minute preparation videos, to the two hour Turner Adventure Learning video.
