Sharpest Comebacks

Ronald Reagan vs. Walter Mondale (1984 Debate) 

A question was asked about his age during the debate. 

Reagan replied: “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” 

Margaret Thatcher vs. Labor MP (UK Parliament, 1990) 

In a heated Commons exchange about Thatcher's leadership and her government's truthfulness, Hughes insinuated that Thatcher had misled the House regarding her policies and economic impact. 

Thatcher's Reply: “The honorable gentleman knows that the essence of being a gentleman is that one does not lie. He is no gentleman.” 

François Mitterrand vs. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (France, 1981) 

“You do not have a monopoly on heart.” Mr. Giscard 

Mitterrand’s Famous Reply: “You do not have a monopoly on heart, Mr. Giscard. You do not have a monopoly on reason either.” 

Here is my all-time favorite: 

Lloyd Bentsen vs Dan Quayle during 1988 Vice Presidential Debate 

Moderator Tom Brokaw asked Dan Quayle about his qualifications to become President. 

Quayle Replied: I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. 

Lloyd Bentsen immediately retorted: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy."

Class Act

John West, a 64 year old man from Detroit, spent 34 years working at the Ford Motor Company. His five sons wanted to honor their dad, so they nominated him to be a contestant on the game show Deal or No Deal. 

During the show the (football team) Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford sent a video message wishing them luck—and offered autographed gym bags and tickets to their football game for him and his 5 sons; (This is equivalent to Tendulkar offering tickets to his match to a Mumbai fan on live television.). Of course, Detroit Lions Football team is owned by the Ford Family.

Then, Ford’s President of Global Operations, Joe Hinrichs, surprised John with a plaque honoring his 34 years of service at Ford. 

Final Surprise: 

John and his sons were invited to lunch at Ford’s headquarters with Bill Ford, the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company.  

I know this is a PR for Ford Motors. They must of have paid more than a million dollars for this. 

But still, I would consider this as a “Class Act” to honoring a 34 year service of a low level employee.

Thrilling Victory?

Yeah, India won the match by 6 runs, but it wasn’t exactly an amazing or exciting win. What really happened is that England basically gave India 64 extra runs — that’s a huge number, almost like handing them free runs without making them earn it. 

If England’s bowlers had been a bit more careful and not bowled so many wide balls or no-balls, India might not have won at all. The game was that close — just a 6-run difference. 

So, it feels more like England lost the game by messing up, rather than India winning it with great skill. A real thrilling win usually comes from a strong performance, but this one felt like India got lucky because of England’s mistakes.