At first glance, yesterday’s vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin appears to have lacked any moments of historical importance. This, despite the fact that prior to the debate, political commentators noted that interest in the debate was unusually high. While most presidential historians would say that vice-presidential debates generally have very little if any impact on the outcome of the election, it’s also true that past debates have produced some memorable exchanges. Transcripts of these debates can be seen at the Commission on Presidential Debates Web site.

1984 debate between George H. W. Bush and Geraldine Ferraro, in which Ferraro famously castigated Bush for speaking in patronizing tones to her about foreign policy matters. Transcript.

1988 debate between Dan Quayle and Lloyd Bentsen, in which Bentsen uttered the remark that branded Quayle as a lightweight–an image that he has never shed: “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.” Transcript.

2000 debate between Dick Cheney and Joe Lieberman. Transcript.

2004 debate between Dick Cheney and John Edwards. Transcript.

2008 debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. Transcript.