Under present day circumstances, televised debates are seen as being essential to presidential elections; however, it was not always so. The invention of the television ushered in a new era of political discourse, one in which candidates were not only forced to expand their agendas, but also find new ways to demonstrate their ability to lead on a nationally broadcasted stage. For the first time in 1960, senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Vice President Richard Milhous Nixon, the two candidates for president, met in a televised debate. But beyond the newness of airtime and broadcasting, the election of 1960 is best remembered for the first of four debates that took place, argued by many to have led to Kennedy’s presidency. At the time Kennedy was perceived as a lightweight on policy, as he was the youngest presidential candidate to have run for office. However, his preparedness and ability to come across as both knowledgeable and as a leader placed him on par with Nixon. The audience decided which policy views of the future were most appealing to them. And just by sharing the stage with Nixon, Kennedy elevated his stature. The debates were decisive in helping Kennedy win the election, but some of the way that this debate is remembered overstates the importance of Nixon’s appearance. Even in presenting himself better than Nixon, Kennedy did not win the approval of voters based on his appearance alone, but rather, because of the combination of his substance, the equalizing value of appearing alongside the vice president, and his “youthful and energetic” appearance.
Video Overview of the First Debate:
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