Flossi Appears at the CNN Town Hall

The concept of the Town Hall format on television for presidential campaigns became popular in the 1992 U.S. presidential election. This marked the first time a presidential debate was conducted in a Town Hall style, which allowed undecided voters to ask the candidates questions directly.

The 1992 Town Hall Debate

   - Candidates: The debate featured Bill Clinton (Democrat), George H. W. Bush (Republican, incumbent), and Ross Perot (Independent). It took place on October 15, 1992 in Richmond, Virginia.

   - Format: The town hall debate allowed undecided voters from the audience to ask questions directly to the candidates. This departed from the traditional format where journalists or moderators posed queries. The format created a more personal and interactive experience, encouraging candidates to engage more directly with voters rather than focus solely on policy statements.

   Impact: The debate is remembered for several moments, including a misstep by President George H. W. Bush. He was caught checking his watch while a voter was asking a question about economic hardship, which came off as dismissive. On the other hand, Bill Clinton thrived in the format, showing empathy and connecting with voters personally, which helped boost his appeal.