Best VP Debate Moments — PICTURES

By National Journal Staff

Updated: October 11, 2012 | 7:43 p.m.
October 9, 2012 | 12:02 p.m.

Vice presidential debates have brought us memorable characters (Joe Six-Pack), biting put-downs ("Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy"), and satire-worthy speeches ("Who am I? Why am I here?").

On Thursday night, Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan will face off in the newest iteration of the VP debates. Will Biden's bombastic goofiness produce a memorable gaffe? Will Ryan's proclivity for white lies lead to a good joke? Will the generational gap between the candidates create some witty repartee?

Until we find out on Thursday, check out out some of the best VP debate moments from the past few decades.

In the first televised vice presidential debate on Oct. 15, 1976, Republican nominee Bob Dole blindsides his opponent, Sen. Walter Mondale, with his attack on "Democrat wars." (AP Photo)

Vice President George H.W. Bush makes a point as Democratic vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro listens on Thursday, Oct. 12, 1984, during a debate in Philadelphia. Ferraro scored points when she scolded Bush for talking down to her. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

In the Oct. 5, 1988, vice presidential debate, Democratic nominee Lloyd Bentsen chastises Republican Sen. Dan Quayle, saying "I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy." (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

James Stockdale, an independent vice presidential candidate, ponders the proceedings during the VP debate in Atlanta on Oct. 13, 1992. His opening question "Who am I?" drew laughs. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson)

At the Oct. 5, 2000, VP debate, Democratic nominee Joe Lieberman loses a line to Republican candidate Dick Cheney, when Cheney responded to Lieberman's lament that his wife would like him to work in the private sector by saying, "I'm going to try to help you do that, Joe." (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden responds to a question during the debate with Republican Sarah Palin at Washington University in St. Louis on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008. The debate had several highlights, including Palin asking Biden at the beginning, "Can I call you Joe?" and later coining the term "Joe Six-Pack." (Rick Wilking/AP)

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