Presidential Candidates Debate President Jimmy Carter and Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan met in Cleveland, Ohio, for the last of two presidential debates prior to the 1980 presidential election. This was only presidential candidates debate with both major party candidates during the 1980 campaign. They responded to questions from a panel of journalists on issues including defense preparedness and the economy. The debate included remarks by President Jimmy Carter concerning the views of his daughter Amy on arms control, which were widely criticized following the debate. The two candidates stood at separate podia to respond to the panel’s questions. The debate was moderated by Howard K. Smith. Other panelists were Marvin Stone, Harry Ellis, William Hilliard, and Barbara Walters. close