on this date- catherine van tatenhove

On September 26, 1960 the way the general public deciphered how they would vote in a presidential election would be changed drastically. The first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy encouraged people to vote based on outward appearance as opposed to inward opinions. People from all corners of the United States tuned into the debate, but still not solely through the mutually exclusive median of TV. Some still careened their necks to hear the family radio, and the differences in opinion based on what median they viewed or listened to it with were astounding.

Because Nixon refused to wear make-up, an obscene and foreign suggestion to him, he looked haggard and worn down. However, Kennedy did allow himself to wear make-up, so in comparison people who viewed the debate saw Kennedy as coming out on top. And, as one would expect, those that were blind to their outward appearances came to the conclusion that Nixon was the ultimate victor.

In more ways then one this event marked the beginning of a time period where it was impossible for people to vote for someone solely because they whole heartedly agreed with their ideologies. This day in 1960 brought in an influx of other characteristics to the table including race, religion, and overall appearance. This is perpetuated even today while people claim to have strong opinions without actually having any factual backing to support their extreme stands of justice. However I am confident that we are becoming more of a nation about policies and plans, and less of a nation where makeup is the difference between presidents. But, realistically, only time will tell.