Today in History: First Televised Debate

[Callalily]

First Televised Debate

September 26, 1960

On the evening of September 26, 1960, living rooms across the nation crackled to life as Americans tuned their TVs to CBS – one of only three channels at the time – to watch the first-ever televised presidential debate. To the right of moderator Howard K. Smith sat Republican Vice President Richard M. Nixon. On the left was the young Democratic hopeful from Massachusetts, Senator John F. Kennedy, whose calm and collected demeanor — versus a less-at-ease Nixon — captured audiences throughout the hour-long program. Kennedy narrowly won the 1960 election, and historians credit part of his victory to this series of televised debates.

This historic event set a precedent for the crucial role of TV in future political elections. From Nixon’s famous cameo on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” just months before winning the 1968 presidential election, to Barack Obama’s casual on-air visits with Jay Leno and David Letterman, for the last 60 years TV has given politicians a chance to take part in pop culture, bring massive visibility to their campaigns, and reach constituents in their very own living rooms.

[Mister Ed]

1. From where I sat, Kennedy won the youth vote that night.

I was only three years old, but I remember watching the debate with my sister. I decided I was voting for "Kenneny" because that's who my big sister was voting for. She was five, and knew a lot of stuff.

So yeah, youth vote for sure.

[Freddie]

5. I had just turned 4 a week ago

Don’t remember this but I remember my parents coming home with Nixon balloons. They turned Dem when Nixon was actually president.

[2naSalit]

2. I remember that...

My parents were politically aware and discussed their differences openly. They watched it along with we kids and then discussed it for the rest of the campaign.

[abqtommy]

3. I was 11 years old in 1960 and supported Nixon in the election. But that was

before I knew what I know now.

[jpak]

4. I watched that with my Dad

NT

[First Speaker]

6. Jesus H Christ--Nixon looks like Pericles compared to today's GOP...

...and my youthful self wouldn't believe me, if I could tell him that...