Video: 'Reagan vs. Mondale: The second 1984 presidential debate'

(Sunday, October 21, 1984, 8:00-9:30 p.m.EDT; during the 1984 United States presidential debates) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan and former Vice President Walter F. Mondale engaged in a heated debate tonight, sharply dividing over foreign policy and the President’s competence.

Mondale, a Democrat, criticized Reagan, a Republican, for failing to manage the CIA’s activities in Central America, protect American interests in Lebanon, and address nuclear arms control effectively.

Mondale argued that Reagan had neglected critical warnings from the Joint Chiefs of Staff before the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 241 Americans. He accused Reagan of “humiliating” the nation with his Lebanon policies and “embarrassing” it with a CIA pamphlet on assassination techniques in Central America.

Reagan defended his record, linking Mondale to outdated economic and military policies rejected four years prior. He responded to Mondale’s challenge of presidential knowledge with a forceful rebuttal, affirming his role in handling national security matters. Reagan remarked, “I know it’ll come as a surprise to Mondale, but I am in charge.”

When Mondale questioned Reagan’s proposal for space-based antimissile systems, the President insisted that research into defensive weapons was crucial, even if he wasn’t a scientist. Mondale retorted, criticizing the idea of sharing space-based technologies with the Soviet Union and condemning Reagan’s approach as dangerous.

Reagan used the debate, held at the Music Hall, Municipal Auditors in Kansas City, Kansas, to deflect concerns about his age with humor, stating, “I will not make age an issue in this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

Mondale joined in the laughter but continued to press on the President’s knowledge and policy decisions.

The debate, held at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium, highlighted differing perspectives on arms control, economic policy, and military strength.

Mondale argued for wisdom and a strong defense, while Reagan emphasized economic growth and global peace. Reagan reiterated his commitment to reducing nuclear weapons and criticized Mondale’s stance on arms control as outdated.

Both candidates faced moments of criticism. Mondale was called out for his incorrect assertion about missile recallability, while Reagan faced scrutiny over his past remarks on Armageddon and his handling of Central American conflicts.

As the debate concluded, aides from both campaigns quickly asserted conflicting claims. Reagan’s team highlighted the President’s command of facts, while Mondale’s camp stressed new vulnerabilities exposed by the debate.

The debate underscored a pivotal choice for voters: continuing Reagan’s policies or embracing Mondale’s proposed changes.