Historian Doris Lee Goodwin suggests debates reveal character strengths and weaknesses . 1960 debate contrasted ` ` vigorous '' Kennedy with ` ` sallow '' Nixon . He was n't feeling well . Nixon 's rhetoric defused Clinton 's indignation in 1980 debate . With a glance at his watch , George H.W . Bush underscored Clinton 's ability to connect .
Historian Doris Lee Goodwin suggests debates reveal character strengths and weaknesses . 1960 debate contrasted ` ` vigorous '' Kennedy with ` ` sallow '' Nixon . Nixon 's rhetoric defused Clinton 's indignation in 1980 debate . With a glance at his watch , George H.W . Bush underscored Clinton 's ability to connect .