Great debate moments

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    FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, then-Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry looks at his notes during a Republican Presidential Debate at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Republican primary campaign is already fading into memory. Remember Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan? Newt Gingrich's "moon base" proposal? Or Rick Perry's "oops" moment _ when he couldn't recall that third federal agency he wanted to eliminate? (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

    FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, then-Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry looks at his notes during a Republican Presidential Debate at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Republican primary campaign is already fading into memory. Remember Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan? Newt Gingrich's "moon base" proposal? Or Rick Perry's "oops" moment _ when he couldn't recall that third federal agency he wanted to eliminate? (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

    By Claudine Zap


    The first debate between Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama will be held on Wednesday. While the candidates prepare their talking points, we look back at some of the more memorable moments from past presidential face-offs. A zippy zinger can get serious airplay even after the actual debate is over, but so can an ill-timed gaffe. Here, some of the top moments.