#Television November 22

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Today’s contribution to the 30-Day Election Trivia Coach4aday Challenge is on the role of TELEVISION in a Presidential Election.

Today marks the 59th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas Texas. He had only been in office less than three years since his election in 1960. Historians and biographers often point that the turning point in his victory was the significance of TELEVISION.

1960 Election and the role of TV

On September 26, 1960, Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy engaged in a debate on Television. It was the first presidential political debate aired to the entire nation.

There was not much of an age difference between Nixon and Kennedy. In fact, JFK was 43 and Nixon 47 when voters went to the polls in November 1960.

Despite their small age difference, Nixon appeared as an old politician while Kennedy’s energy and vision came through on camera. The bottom line was voters perceived Kennedy as confidant and energetic.

If you are interested here are a few clips from that first debate.