Which presidential candidate's cool demeanor when answering the startling first question of a debate, in which the moderator discussed the hypothetical rape and murder of the candidate's wife, contributed to image problems that cost the candidate the campaign?

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When moderator Bernard Shaw opened a 1988 presidential debate with the question, "Governor, if Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty for the killer," Michael Dukakis' response was so calm and rational, it left many voters feeling that the candidate was cold and passionless. His poll numbers dropped seven points the night of the debate alone, and Dukakis himself later attributed his loss, in part, to his response to that question.

Which Presidential Candidate's Cool Demeanor When Answering the Startling First