Transcript of the Debate between Reagan and Carter

Abstract

This is the transcript of the October 28, 1980 debate between the Democratic Presidential Candidate Jimmy Carter and the Republican Presidential Candidate Ronald Reagan in Cleveland, Ohio. Q: Governor, as you're well aware, the question of war and peace has emerged as a central issue in this campaign. In the give and take of recent weeks President Carter's been criticized for responding late to aggressive Soviet impulses, for insufficient build-up of our armed forces, and a paralysis in dealing with Afghanistan and Iran. You have been criticized for being all too quick to advocate the use of lots of muscle-military action-to deal with foreign crises. Specifically, what are the differences between the two of you on the uses of American military power? Reagan: I don't know what the differences might be, because I don't know what Mr. Carter's policies are. I do know what he was said about mine. And I'm only here to tell you that I believe with all my heart that our first priority must be world peace, and that use of force is always and only a last resort when everything else has failed.