Democrats replayed Quayle's reaction to Bentsen's comment in subsequent ads as an announcer intoned, "Quayle: just a heartbeat away." Despite much press about the Kennedy comments, this did not reduce Bush's lead in the polls. Quayle had sought to use the debate to criticize Dukakis as too liberal rather than go point for point with the more seasoned Bentsen. Bentsen's attempts to defend Dukakis received little recognition, with greater attention on the Kennedy comparison.
democrats REPlaYED quayLe's rEaCtIOn To bEntsEn's COMmEnt in SUbSeqUenT aDs as An announCer intoneD, "quaYle: JUst a heArTBeAt away." DeSpitE Much preSs abOUt The kennedy comMenTs, this dID nOt reduCe buSh's leAD IN The poLls. quayle hAd sOuGHT to usE THe DEbate to CrIticiZe DUKAkis As tOo LIbeRaL ratHer ThaN Go POint fOr point WiTh ThE more seasoneD bENTsen. bentSeN's attempTS to defend dUkaKis receiveD little reCoGnItIon, wiTh GREAter AtTeNtiOn on tHE kenNEdy cOmPariSON.