Dewey–Stassen debate

The Dewey–Stassen debate was the first audio-recorded presidential debate in the United States. It featured New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey and former Minnesota Governor Harold Stassen discussing the legal status of the Communist Party of the United States four days before the 1948 Oregon Republican presidential primary. The debate was transmitted throughout the nation via radio broadcast, and is credited with helping Dewey win the primary and the nomination of his party. It is often cited as establishing the modern presidential debate standard.