The televised debate stage: A history

It used to be so civilized ...

Democratic candidates.
(Image credit: Illustrated | AP Photo/Pat Wallenbach, Andrew Burton/Getty Images, arbaz bagwan/iStock)

In American politics, optics are everything. From a candidate's logo to what they wear to how or when they drink water, even the most insignificant gestures, facial expressions, and color choices can become the topic of intense scrutiny.

It should be no wonder, then, that since the advent of television, our presidents have included a movie star, an attractive playboy, and a reality TV host. Yet the physical appearance of a candidate is only one element in the making of the presidential image. How and where we show politicians doing the work of politicking is of equal — and sometimes even more — consequence.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.