Republican Party presidential debates

The debate transmitted throughout the nation via radio broadcast, and is credited with helping Dewey win the primary and the nomination of his party.

In what would be the start of a tradition in open primary campaigns, the first (of six) Republican presidential debate in over 30 years was held in Iowa on January 6, 1980.

The participants openly criticized Reagan for taking the state caucus for granted, which set the stage for a victory by Ambassador Bush.

Worried that a newspaper-sponsored debate might violate electoral regulations, Reagan subsequently arranged to fund the event with his own campaign money, inviting candidates John Anderson, Howard Baker, Phil Crane and Bob Dole to participate at short notice.

On October 28, 1987 Vice President George H. W. Bush fought off attacks from his Republican rivals Pete du Pont, Al Haig, Bob Dole, Jack Kemp and Pat Robertson in the opening debate of the GOP presidential campaign.

[5] The six would debate five more times before Haig dropped out, and then three more, with varying numbers of candidates until Bush rapped up the nomination in March.

[6] The debates started on Wednesday, October 11, 1995 in Manchester, NH, with 10 candidates: Governor Lamar Alexander, Senators Phil Gramm, Bob Dole, Richard Lugar and Arlen Specter; Congressman Bob Dornan; as well as hobbyists Pat Buchanan, Steve Forbes, Alan Keyes and Morry Taylor in attendance.

Congressman Gary Bauer, Senators Orrin Hatch and John McCain; as well as Steve Forbes and Alan Keyes participated.

Four candidates participated in at least sixteen debates: Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, and Mitt Romney.

Four candidates participated in the last four debates: Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum.

Four candidates were invited to every debate: Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump.

[8][9] Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley were the only two candidates to attend every debate.