Video: 'Bush, Clinton, Perot: The second 1992 presidential debate'

(Thursday, October 15, 1992, 9:00-10:30 p.m. EDT; during the 1992 United States presidential election campaign) — The top three presidential candidates competing in the general election fielded questions from uncommitted voters tonight on the campus of the University of Richmond in a civilized, issue-rich “town hall” debate that ranged from taxes to crime and character.

The debate, the second of three among the presidential candidates, may best be remembered for Bill Clinton’s ability to connect with voters and President George H.W. Bush’s habit of checking his watch.

Bush defended his record and his sensitivity to the suffering of the recession.

“Of course, you feel it when you’re President of the United States,” he said. But he asserted that a Clinton presidency would mean huge new taxes rather than a growing economy.

“Governor Clinton’s program wants to tax more and spend more,” Bush said. “I don’t believe that’s the way to do it.” Governor Clinton, however, quickly dismissed the charge.

It was a night in which there were a few sweeping promises.

Ross Perot, the independent candidate, promised he would serve only one term and would not take compensation for the $200,000-a-year job.

Clinton promised to propose a universal health-care plan in the first 100 days of his presidency.