U.S. President Ronald Reagan, right, and his Democratic challenger Walter Mondale shake hands before their presidential debate in Louisville, Ky., October 7, 1984. Ronald Reagan often took advantage of his eloquence and sense of humor in the presidential debates, delivering sharp-tongued barbs while maintaining a sly smile. Addressing the concern over his age (he was 73 when he was reelected in 1984), Reagan said: "I want you to know also 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."