(Wednesday, October 28, 1987, 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. CST) — The six Republican presidential candidates faced off in their first debate of the 1988 campaign tonight in Houston, and five of them aimed sharp attacks or subtle barbs at Vice President George H.W. Bush, who is far ahead of his adversaries in the public opinion polls.

The Democrats held their first debate of the 1988 campaign on July 1, 1987.