The 1960 campaign for the White House is often called the first "modern" presidential election. It's been more than 50 years since the first televised presidential debates in American history, but the four TV showdowns between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the fall of 1960 still hold a prominent — and well-deserved — place in United States political lore.
The first televised debates —
The 1960 campaign for the White House is often called the first "modern" presidential election. It's been more than 50 years since the first televised presidential debates in American history, but the four TV showdowns between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in the fall of 1960 still hold a prominent — and well-deserved — place in United States political lore.
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Jacqueline Kennedy watches from the wings as her husband debates Richard Nixon.
The first televised debates —
Jacqueline Kennedy watches from the wings as her husband debates Richard Nixon.
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Kennedy and Nixon debate at their lecterns.
The first televised debates —
Kennedy and Nixon debate at their lecterns.
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A closeup shows Kennedy's hand during the debates.
The first televised debates —
A closeup shows Kennedy's hand during the debates.
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The two candidates talk before the first 1960 debate.
The first televised debates —
The two candidates talk before the first 1960 debate.
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Nixon's performance in the first debate against Kennedy was infamously marred by his ashen appearance against his more telegenic rival, who went on to win the election by a narrow margin. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Flife.time.com%2Fhistory%2Fkennedy-and-nixon-in-1960-debates-that-changed-the-game%2F%231" target="_blank" target="_blank">See more photos from the Kennedy-Nixon debates at Life.com</a>.
The first televised debates —
Nixon's performance in the first debate against Kennedy was infamously marred by his ashen appearance against his more telegenic rival, who went on to win the election by a narrow margin. See more photos from the Kennedy-Nixon debates at Life.com.
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