How did televising the presidential debates of 1960 had an effect on the outcome of the?

Question

How did televising the presidential debates of 1960 had an effect on the outcome of the?

Answer 1

Easy, you don't have to look past the first one to find the answer.

In the first nationally televised debate between Kennedy and Nixon, Kennedy looked more fit to run a country with his makeup on, while Nixon who had just recovered from a fever and refused makeup came off as looking a bit shabby to be president.

Before the debates were put on television most people in America didn't know what the candidates looked like besides pictures they were shown, and some didn't even see pictures. Televising the debates put more pressure on the candidates visuall appearance and it is why you don't see McCain with a walking stick or Obama with a Doo-rag.

Answer 2

Kennedy was a much more charismatic speaker than Nixon, and just looked much better.  Nixon did not wear make-up, his leg was bothering him, and he just looked tense and uncomfortable.  Kennedy, on the other hand, wore make up and looked relaxed and in command.  This was the first ever televised debate, and because of the appearances, Kennedy pulled ahead in the polls after the debates were over.  Ironically, people who heard the debate on the radio actually felt that Nixon had won, because of his command of facts and insight into issues.

Answer 3

All of the above is true, but if the people hadn't heard Kennedy's brilliant public speaking, they might not have known how charismatic and great he would be.

Answer 4

Kennedy was very telegenic, and wore makeup (as most TV people do) while in the debate.  Nixon was not telegenic, was pasty-white, and sweated openly during the debate.  That is acknowledged to have turned the election to Kennedy's eventual win.  The first TV election!

Answer 5

It was key in Kennedy's win.

Nixon looked horrible and was sweating profusely.

Kennedy looked calm, confident, charismatic and handsome.

Answer 6

You pretty much have it.

Kennedy had the looks and didn't sweat like a pig.

Nixon did, was obviously uncomfortable and looked like he hadn't shaven in a week.

The election was over THEN.

Answer 7

The clothes worn by the contenders also had an effect.

Nixon wore a grey suit, which was almost the same colour as the studio background, while Kennedy had chosen to wear a black suit. This led Nixon to blend in with the background - by comparison Kennedy stood out and presented a more striking visual image.