Records on Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates during 1984, 1988, and 1992 Presidential Campaigns

The materials in FOIA 1998-0527-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. 1998-0527-F 2 FOIA 1998-0527-F contains material related to debates in which George Bush participated during the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Presidential campaigns. Preparation files, such as memoranda, debate cards, and issue analysis, are most prominent in the Bush Vice Presidential records and deal mainly with the 1988 Republican primaries and general election debates. Planning materials for the 1984 vice presidential debate with Geraldine Ferraro are also present in these files. However, there are very few substantive records concerning the 1992 debates with candidates Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. More prominent in 1992 are routine records, such as those pertaining to the First Lady's travel and event schedules for the St. Louis, Richmond, and East Lansing presidential debates. Correspondence files concerning the 1992 debates are also limited, but they are voluminous for the 1984 and 1988 debates. This includes thousands of pages of mail received by Vice President Bush about his debate with Ferraro in Philadelphia. These letters refer to the debate as well as to statements made by Barbara Bush, George Bush, and Bush's Press Secretary Peter Teeley about Ferraro. There are also numerous files of incoming and outgoing correspondence related to the 1988 Presidential primary and general election debates. However, because this correspondence concerns activities outside the statutory or ceremonial duties of the vice president or president, it has been determined that all letters on these subjects are personal rather than vice presidential records and are not available for review at this time. Also, all memoranda, debate cards, and preparation material concerning candidate Bush have been closed as personal. The material that remains open and available for research includes debate transcripts, news clippings, publications, and scheduling and advance information for planning the travel of George and Barbara Bush. Read less