On this day in 1960, the first of four televised presidential debates was held in Chicago between Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy. It was broadcast nationwide by CBS. Prior to this, presidential debates were never de rigueur. They are not constitutionally-mandated and, certainly, none had ever been televised before. 66 million viewers tuned-in (out of a US population of 179 million).
Each candidate was given eight minutes for an opening statement, three minutes for a closing statement, and 2.5 minutes to answer each of the questions posed by the moderator, Howard K. Smith. The focus was on domestic policy issues.
Going into the debate, Nixon held a six point lead over Kennedy. He was the sitting vice president, he was known to have a good grasp on foreign affairs and diplomacy, and he was four years older than his opponent. And, yet, the evening did not go well for him. He refused any stage make-up, leaving him cadaverous—with a sinister five o'clock shadow (especially on black and white TV). He wore a grey suit which matched the stage's background (as well as his grey skin tone). And, worst of all, he broke-out into a flop sweat during the parry—while Kennedy remained smart, cool and handsome. After the debate, Nixon's mother called him to ask if he was sick. And Chicago mayor, Richard Daley, was quoted as saying, "My God, they've embalmed him before he even died."
We know how the election ended. And on this day, 65 years ago, a debate on a Chicago stage provided the turning point in history.
Shown above, a bronze "Lucky Elephant" and a bronze "Kick-Ass Donkey." The pachyderm has the letters "L-U-C-K" impressed under each foot while the donkey has the letters "K-I-C-K" on the bottoms of each of his four hooves.
To learn more about the "Kick-Ass Donkey," please CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the "Lucky Elephant," please CLICK HERE.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.