In 1980 Carter passed up a debate, so Reagan debated this third candidate instead
[DOC] [TLE] John Anderson Interview | Debating Our Destiny | September 13 ... [PAR] JIM LEHRER: As an independent candidate in 1980, you participated in one ... to 
that, that Carter was being very defensive, felt beleaguered and was unwilling to 
... nine candidates except Reagan who didn't show up for that debate in Iowa.