Spotlight on History
Gubernatorial Debates
With Louisianans heading to the polls on October 14th for the 2023 statewide elections, the LDMA is looking back at LPB’s past gubernatorial debates. LPB has a 44-year tradition of hosting political debates in order to inform voters before they cast their ballots about the candidates and their views on the major issues. See how the political candidates of the past approached issues that are still being debated in Louisiana today.
Primary Debate (1979)
See LPB’s first gubernatorial debate moderated by Beth Courtney of LPB and Charles Zewe of WYES featuring nine candidates at two sites in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
The Treen/Edwards Debates (1983)
Watch LPB’s Beth Courtney moderate two debates between Governor Dave Treen and former Governor Edwin Edwards. You can view the second debate here.
Primary Debate (1987)
View LPB’s 1987 debate between the five candidates for governor – Buddy Roemer, Billy Tauzin, Edwin Edwards, Jim Brown, and Bob Livingston.
The Duke/Edwards Debate (1991)
See the run-off debate between former Governor Edwin Edwards and State Representative David Duke for one of Louisiana’s most controversial gubernatorial elections.
The Foster/Fields Debate (1995)
Watch LPB’s final 1995 gubernatorial debate between the two run-off candidates, State Senator Mike Foster and Congressman Cleo Fields.
Primary Debate (1999)
View LPB’s Decision 1999 debate between Governor Mike Foster’s opponents – attorney Phil Preis, Congressman William Jefferson, and State Senator Tom Greene.
The Blanco/Jindal Debate (2003)
See LPB’s final Decision 2003 gubernatorial debate between the two run-off candidates – former DHH Secretary Bobby Jindal and Lt. Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.
Primary Debate (2007)
Watch LPB’s 2007 debate between the four candidates for governor – Bobby Jindal, John Georges, Foster Campbell, and Walter Boasso.
The Edwards/Vitter Debate (2015)
View LPB’s final 2015 gubernatorial debate between the two run-off candidates – State Representative John Bel Edwards and United States Senator David Vitter.
The Edwards/Rispone Debate (2019)
See LPB’s final 2019 gubernatorial debate between the two run-off candidates – Governor John Bel Edwards and businessman Eddie Rispone.