First Televised Presidential Debate: Kennedy-Nixon Sept. 26, 1960
52 years ago today marked the first televised presidential debate. Vice President Richard Nixon sparred with Senator John F. Kennedy.
After eight years of serving as VP alongside Ike (Dwight Eisenhower), Nixon threw his hat into the 1960 presidential election. During the first-ever televised candidates’ debate, Nixon appeared tired and pale after recovering from a two-week hospital stay. He also refused to wear make-up. In contrast, JFK looked healthy and tan. Subsequent polls revealed that listeners on the radio tended to declare Nixon the victor, while those who watched on TV favored Kennedy. Nixon ultimately lost the election by one of the narrowest margins in history.
Sadly, three years into his presidency, John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he rode through Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Lee Harvey Oswald was accused of acting as the lone gunman in the crime. Oswald himself was killed two days later by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
JFK and Jackie arriving at Love Field in Dallas
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Tags: Assassination, Conspiracy, Dealey Plaza, Jack Ruby, JFK, Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, Presidents, Television
