September 26, 1960…America’s First Televised Presidential Debate
September 26, 1960…America’s First Televised Presidential Debate
Tonight is the big night for us in 2016, but 56 years ago today, it was a big night for America and television as the presidential candidates met for a first ever debate on TV.
On this day in 1960, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon met at Chicago’s WBBM (CBS) for the first of four debates. Here is my story on those historic meetings, including the “new” technology…much of which was created by the producer of all four those debates, the great Don Hewitt. http://www.eyesofageneration.com/Gallery_Kennedy_Nixon.php
All four debates were simulcast live on all three networks’ radio and television networks.
On October 7, 1960, NBC Washington was the scene of the second debate as Senator Kennedy and Vice President Nixon met at NBC’s WRC-TV. The moderator was NBC’s Frank McGee, and panel of questioners included Edward Morgan from ABC, Paul Niven from CBS, Alvin Spivak from UPI, and Hal Levy from Newsday.
The third was hosted by ABC with Kennedy at WABC in New York and Nixon at KABC in Los Angeles on October 13. On October 21, the fourth and final debate was hosted by ABC in New York. -Bobby Ellerbee
Priceless!
Interesting that a greater % of those listening on radio favored Nixon. And those viewing on TV favored Kennedy. Probably due to Nixon’s appearance w/no make up & sweaty upper lip. Kennedy used makeup and his demeanor was much more relaxed.
One of those cameras resides in Chicago’
Immy Florintino, was LD for the first debate, he had tried to get Nixon in, Nixon as we know ,came in with 5 o’clock shadow, as a last ditch effort to improve his look on air – Immy used an ‘inky’ to ‘soften’ the look –
Historic, Iconic and Ironic. Thanks Bobby.
Interesting. No one ever speaks of those debates beyond the first one. In 2012 Romney won the first and sent out shock waves. It didn’t matter in the end. But no one ever talks about the subsequent JFK/RMN debates and their effects on the polling.