Top 10 Memorable Debate Moments
From gaffes to one-line zingers, TIME presents history's best-remembered quotes from our presidential candidates
— M.J. Stephey
After becoming only the 2nd third-party candidate to fight his way into a presidential debate in 1992, Ross Perot earned his spot at the poduim with snappy remarks about Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. The Texas businessman conceded his lack of political experience before adding sharply:
"I don't have any experience in running up a $4 trillion debt. I don't have any experience in gridlock government, where nobody takes responsibility for anything and everybody blames everybody else."
During the next election, his oft-repeated objection — "Let me finish!" — overshadowed his previous success as an orator, and became instant fodder for late-night comedians like Saturday Night Live's Dana Carvey.
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