Kennedy Vs Nixon Debate Essay

From the 1960’s to present day, media has made a huge impact on political affairs through television and radio. Many debates were viewed in different aspects, one of many debates displayed the importance of why technology is very important. On September 26,1960 the first Presidential debate was televised; the debate between John. F Kennedy and Richard Nixon was one of the most influential debates. It was a remarkable event that sparked a division between radio and television. The Kennedy and Nixon debate had a huge affect on the election results, furthermore, it introduced a new concept incorporating television as a factor to a successful political campaign.
On September 1960, America’s presidential debate was televised. The Kennedy vs. Nixon was the first national televised presidential debate, that caught the attention of millions nationwide.This historical debate was between, Kennedy a democratic and Nixon whom was a republican. Kennedy was the youngest, and had served a term in the US Senate, he also was inexperienced to speak on foreign policies.Unlike Kennedy, Nixon was a two-term vice president, he had a successful political career and
knowledge of foreign political affairs.
Many commenters compared the candidate’s political qualities, even though Nixon ranked as more qualified, however Kennedy still came in lead.
Surprisingly, John F.
Kennedy came in victorious winning this debate. Upon arrival, Kennedy was well relaxed and prepared, while Nixon was recovering from a knee injury that occurred during campaigning. Kennedy seem very telegenic and calm before the camera; Whereas, Nixon was sweating profusely under the camera lights. Nixon wore a gray suit that blended with the television backdrop, pale and he looked unappealing; while as Kennedy was very appealing to those who were watching the televised debate. Kennedy repeatedly practiced looking at the camera when answering the questions and not at the journalists who asked them.This made the television’s audience view Kennedy as someone who was talking directly to them and who gave them blunt answers. According to Joseph P. Berry, John F. Kennedy and the
Media:
“The televised debates between Vice-president Richard Nixon and Senator John Kennedy in 1960 changed forever the form and content of national elections in the United States. For the first time a candidate's attractiveness on television was the ammunition for a political attack. Nixon's poor makeup—an aide plastered his face to cover up his naturally heavy beard—made him appear washed out compared to the youthful, tan-faced Kennedy. Many commentators have claimed that Nixon lost the election because of his appearance. Indeed, Kennedy used the vice-president's appearance as campaign fodder throughout the rest of the election.”
Nationwide radio listeners of the debate undoubtedly sought Nixon to be the winner,in contrast, television’s audience believed Kennedy won. Many spectators supposed because of Kennedy’s well poised televised interview was the reason he won. The votes were totalled in November of 1960, Kennedy earned 49.7% of the popular vote to Nixon's 49.5%. Kennedy polled only about 100,000 more votes than Nixon out of over 68 million votes cast.

Consequently, Kennedy won a major part of the election by just one-tenth of one percent. Kennedy’s proficient use of television,more importantly, made a huge impact on political affairs even present day. In the late twentieth century, television displaced radio and newspapers to become by far the most important medium of political communication. Television has become the primary source of political information for most voters, and the need to advertise on television drove the candidates to devote enormous energy to fundraising. Candidates since 1960 have had to meet at least a threshold level of skill with the medium, and the most skilled television orators, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, became the most popular and most powerful presidents.