Kennedy vs. Nixon | 1960 | First National Televised Debate (short clip)

John F. Kennedy Defeats Richard Nixon in the First Presidential Debate in 1960 November 9, 1960 In a tumultuous campaign that was highlighted by the first televised presidential debate, John F. Kennedy a wealthy Democratic Senator from Massachusetts narrowly defeated Richard M. Nixon by 118,000 votes to become the thirty fifth president of the United States. A crucial factor and turning point in this election was the first ever televised presidential debate. Nixon felt poorly, he injured his knee on the way to the studio, and refused television makeup. He expected to win voters with his foreign-policy expertise, but people only saw a sickly man sweating profusely and wearing a gray suit that blended into the scenery. On the other hand his rival, Kennedy, looked great. The television audience gave the win to Kennedy.