The first VP debate is going down Tuesday evening between GOP Gov. Mike Pence and Democrat Sen. Tim Kaine, who both hope to bring more appeal to the campaigns of the two presidential candidates that remain historically disliked by Americans all over.
The cruiserweight matchup might not be the Rumble in the Jungle everyone expected between heavyweights Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, but if history is any indicator, there will be at least a few memorable one-liners.
And, perhaps, even a window into the future of the two major parties.
Here we take a look back at some of the more memorable moments from VP debates in years past:
2012: Paul Ryan vs. Joe Biden
In a heated battle with tightening polls showing a close race between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Vice President Joe Biden dueled rising GOP star Paul Ryan in a nationally televised debate in which “malarkey” re-entered the American lexicon.
Standout moment: When Ryan hit the Obama administration over its handling of foreign affairs, Biden said: “With all due respect, that’s a bunch of malarkey.”
1984: Geraldine Ferraro vs. George H.W. Bush
It was an historic moment, when Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to take the debate stage for a major party in American politics. And for all of that remarkableness, the debate showcased exactly where Bush thought a congresswoman’s place was when he tried mansplaining foreign policy to Ferraro.
Standout moment: “Let me help you with the difference, Mrs. Ferraro, between Iran and the embassy in Lebanon,” Bush said. “Let me just say first of all, that I almost resent, Vice President Bush, your patronizing attitude that you have to teach me about foreign policy,” Ferraro retorted.
1992: Dan Quayle vs. Al Gore vs. James Stockdale
Although the debate commission appears unready to allow for a third podium any time soon, there was one discrepancy in the history of VP debates, in 1992. Three men battled for the spotlight as one defended incumbent President Bush, and the other two tried to explain their alternate visions for the country.
Standout moment: Although he had trouble with his hearing aid — that would later be the talk of the nation — Admiral James Stockdale got the audience going with his opening statement: “Who am I? Why am I here?” As if to prove himself serious, his answers later in the debate were rather puzzling.
1996: Jack Kemp vs. Al Gore
So deep. That’s how Gore wanted to be perceived by audiences on the subject of climate science, we can only presume, after he opened up the debates with a weird statement to former pro football player Jack Kemp as he appealed to audiences to re-elect President Clinton.
Standout moment: “I’d like to start by offering you a deal, Jack: If you won’t use any football stories, I won’t tell any of my warm and humorous stories about chlorofluorocarbon abatement,” Gore said.
1988: Dan Quayle vs. Lloyd Bentsen
It played host to probably the most memorable VP debate moment, from two politicians who in hindsight are not all that remarkable. One-term Vice President Dan Quayle and Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen argued before audiences over who was best to help run America after Ronald Reagan, and in an ill-advised maneuver Quayle harkened back to JFK in relating his experience to the people.
Standout moment: “I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency, I will be prepared to deal with the people in the Bush administration,” Quayle said. “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine,” Bentsen shot back. “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”