The legacy of the first televised debate between Nixon and Kennedy in American politics.

The first televised debate in the history of the United States has been considered a turning point in how political communication and candidates' image influence elections. This Thursday, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off in an early debate, much earlier than usual, in an event organized by CNN. This meeting between the current president and the former president comes at a time of great anticipation and polarization in the country, reminiscent of the historic debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960. That first televised debate took place on September 26, 1960 in Chicago, and marked a milestone in the history of American elections. The candidates' image, especially the difference in appearance between Nixon, who looked pale and tired after recovering from a knee injury, and Kennedy, tanned and rested, had a significant impact on public perception. According to Life magazine, both candidates demonstrated a solid understanding of the key issues facing the country at that time, such as the space race with the Soviets, the global economy, and the Civil Rights Movement. However, Kennedy's television appearance, enhanced by light makeup, starkly contrasted with Nixon, who refused to wear makeup and appeared disheveled. The debate was a highly promoted event that attracted a large audience, even surpassing "The Andy Griffith Show" in ratings. The candidates' performance, the presentation of their ideas, and the influence of television on public perception marked a before and after in how political debates would unfold in the United States. A survey conducted by Sindlinger and Company revealed a notable difference in the perception of the debate between those who watched it on television and those who listened to it on the radio. While the TV audience leaned towards Kennedy as the winner, those who listened to the debate on the radio favored Nixon. This contrast underscores the importance of image and visual communication in modern politics. Pierre Salinger, Kennedy's press secretary at the White House, stated that without those televised debates, it would have been impossible for Kennedy to be elected. The debates between Nixon and Kennedy in 1960, although not decisive in all aspects, influenced public perception and voter decision-making. Despite Nixon winning two of the remaining three debates in the fall of 1960, the impact of the first televised debate was significant. Image and visual communication became key elements in candidates' political strategy, and how they presented themselves in the media began to play a crucial role in their electoral success. In today's debate between Biden and Trump, the influence of television and social media on public perception will remain crucial. The story of that first televised debate between Nixon and Kennedy in 1960 continues to resonate in American politics, reminding us of the importance of communication, image, and strategy in the political arena.