Best Debate Performance by Winning Party in each election since 1980

[OSR stands with Israel]

I would say:

1980: Only Debate between Reagan and Carter
1984: The 2nd debate between Reagan and Mondale
1988: The 2nd Debate between Bush and Dukakis
1992: The Townhall Debate between Clinton, Bush and Perot
1996: Not really sure
2000: The First Debate between Bush and Gore
2004: The VP Debate Between Cheney and Edwards
2008: The Final Debate Between Obama and McCain
2012: The VP Debate Between Biden and Ryan
2016: The VP Debate Between Pence and Kaine
2020: The First Debate Between Biden and Trump

[Mr. Smith]

1980: The one with Anderson.
1984: 2nd
1992: 2nd
2012: Veep
2016: Veep
2020: Veep

I don't pay attention much to this after the fact unless it really stands out.