In today’s political climate, it’s hard to imagine a radio broadcast co-hosted by a Republican and a Democrat. But that is exactly what Wyoming Senator Al Simpson and Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy did. The program, called Face Off, consisted of two-minute debates. Topics ran the gamut. The two men debated national issues and socially important topics.
[Al Simpson] “You Democrats would rather craft legislation only to screw the Republicans. Ted, maybe it’s past time to stop screwing around and start working to move this fine country forward. This sad, sad spectacle proves that it won’t happen unless we can corkscrew the Democrats up and out of congress first.”
[Ted Kennedy] “Poor Al, Democrats are just telling the truth in 1992 and you Republicans think it’s unfair because it makes you squirm.”
The Face Off program aired five days a week for eight years during the 1980s and 90s. Despite their differences on policy, the two men were able to disagree amiably and with a sense of humor.
Learn more in the Alan K. Simpson papers at UW’s American Heritage Center.