Ronald Reagan debates Robert Kennedy on Vietnam War - CBS News Town Meeting of the World – May 1967

In an early satellite debate, Republican Governor of California Ronald Reagan matched wits with Democratic Senator of New York Robert F. Kennedy over the Vietnam War. CBS billed the discussion as a “Town Meeting of the World” which was broadcast on May 15, 1967. Moderator Charles Collingwood hosted the debate from London, England with a panel of university students who asked questions of the American politicians connected remotely.

Reagan, newly elected as governor, was seen as more than a Republican, he was widely considered a conservative leader on the rise. Likewise, Kennedy was seen as assuming the role of the liberal champion within the Democrat Party. In a sense, some saw this a long awaited debate between American conservatives and liberals many hoped to see in a 1964 campaign between John Kennedy and Barry Goldwater. Of course, the Kennedy assassination meant that opportunity was lost.

Many liberals were unhappy with the outcome of the debate while conservatives were confirmed in their expectations for great things from Reagan. Media observers largely acknowledged Reagan demolished Kennedy. Even RFK, following the debate, admonished his aides for getting him into the debacle.

For those who are knowledgeable about Vietnam and the Kennedy Administration’s involvement in the Diem assassination, this is a fascinating debate.

Viewers are encouraged to read historian Paul Kengor’s analysis of the debate:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2007/05/great-forgotten-debate-paul-kengor/