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John F. Kennedy's Mass-Television Debate

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John F. Kennedy's Mass-Television Debate
1960 was the year of the very first televised news debate. In this debate, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy fought for the presidency. Since, this was the very first televised debate, many didn't know what to expect, including the respective candidates. However, one candidate understood the importance of this debate, Kennedy. Kennedy practiced his debate, made sure to look well groomed and presidential, and even wore makeup, an idea that was unprecedented at this time. When the cameras turned on and thousands were watching, Kennedy was confident and handsome while Nixon was nervous and appeared unprepared (“Televised Debate”). This debate won Kennedy the presidency, and showed just how powerful mass media and television are to the American

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