In 1986 president bill clinton and republican president ial nominee bob dole debate debater. Twice next their first debate which focused on domestic issues. Jim lehrer moderate at the debate. Good evening from the theater, in connecticut, i am jim lehrer from the news, our on pbs. Welcome to the first of the 1996 president ial debates, between president bill clinton the democratic nominee, and senator bob dole, there were republican nominee. This event has been sponsored by the commission on president ial debates, it will last in 90 minutes, following a format and rules agreed by the campaigns. There will be two minute opening and closing statements. In between, a series of questions. Each having three parts. A 92nd answer a 62nd rebuttal, in a 32nd response. I will assist to candidates in adhering to those time limits, with the help of a series of lights, its about to both. Under their rules, the candidates are not allowed to question each other directly. I will ask the questions, the