On September 26, 1960, the first-ever televised presidential debate occurred between presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Many who watched were inclined to say Kennedy ‘won’ the debate, while those who listened only to the radio thought Nixon did better.
At the first of four debates, Kennedy arrived looking well-groomed and confident, while his opponent Nixon, appeared haggard. He was sporting a “5 o’clock shadow,” a wrinkled suit, and refused the assistance of a makeup artist.
The debate changed the game of political campaigns, leading to an era that would emphasis the importance of television appearances. Television worked particularly well for quick-thinking, charismatic candidates with good looks. Nixon’s negative experience with televised debates led him to refuse to engage in such debates during the 1968 and 1972 campaigns.
