On September 26, 1960, for the first time in U.S. history, a
debate between major party presidential candidates was
broadcast on live television. The presidential hopefuls,
John F. Kennedy, a Democratic senator of Massachusetts,
and Richard M. Nixon, the vice president of the United States,
met in a Chicago studio to discuss U.S. domestic matters.

Kennedy emerged the apparent winner from this first of
four televised debates.

John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon

For the first time in U.S. history, a debate between major party presidential candidates was shown on television.

The presidential hopefuls, John F. Kennedy, a Democratic senator
of Massachusetts, and Richard M. Nixon, the vice president of the
United States, met in a Chicago studio to discuss U.S. domestic
matters.

Kennedy emerged the apparent winner from this first of four
televised debates, partly owing to his greater ease before the
camera than Nixon, who, unlike Kennedy, seemed nervous and
declined to wear makeup.

For the first time in U.S. history, a debate between major party
presidential candidates is shown on television.

The presidential hopefuls, John F. Kennedy, a Democratic senator
of Massachusetts and Richard M. Nixon, the vice president of
the United States, met in a Chicago studio to discuss U.S.
domestic matters.

Presidential candidates Sen. John Kennedy, left, and Vice President Richard Nixon face each other in a Chicago television studio as they debated. In center is Howard K. Smith, moderator. Four members of
the panel are in foreground.

For the first time in U.S. history, a debate between major party presidential candidates is shown on television. The presidential hopefuls, John F.
Kennedy, a Democratic senator of Massachusetts, and Richard M. Nixon,
the vice president of the United States, met in a Chicago studio to discuss
U.S. domestic matters. Kennedy emerged the apparent winner from this
first of four televised debates.

TIM MAGUIRE

The first televised debate between presidential candidates Richard
M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy took place in Chicago, IL. on this day         
in 1960.

John F. Kennedy                      Richard  M. Nixon