Political Debates and the Kennedy-Nixon Debate

On September 26, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Richard M. Nixon squared off in the first nationally-televised general election debate, and delivered a lasting lesson in the art of politics in the age of media to some 70 million viewers.

Kennedy, the stylish young Democrat from Massachusetts, won the debate because he looked better on television than his Republican rival, Richard Nixon, who appeared ill at ease and washed out.

That perception, at least, has dogged the debate for decades, with journalists and historians repeating it in textbooks and news stories. However, like many of the best stories, it wasn’t actually true, and has been debunked for lack of supporting historical evidence.

Replacing the myth is a more convincing narrative: Kennedy may have looked better on television that night, but that wasn’t the turning point. He won because he demonstrated a better command of policy and presidential poise than did Nixon, who had served the last eight years as vice-president.

Winners aside, the misperceptions about the Kennedy-Nixon debate continue to haunt political coverage today, as network anchors, pundits, and even spin doctors, seem more interested in rating presidential candidates on “performance” rather than platform.

But despite that flaw, the debates continue to offer viewers a rare chance to see their candidates on stage, under pressure, and demonstrating in thought and action what makes them tick.

And viewers vote.