Lesson
1960 Televised Presidential Debates
Guiding question
What impact do television and digital media have on presidential elections?
Objectives
- Students will analyze the 1960 televised presidential debates between U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon.
- Students will compare the 1960 debates with a modern presidential media advertisement.
- Students will assess the role that media plays in shaping the public’s view of presidential elections.
Materials
Materials
- Kennedy-Nixon Debate Intro Essay
- Kennedy vs. Nixon: The first 1960 presidential debate video (minute marks 0:01-1:58 and 8:10-10:00)
Lesson Components
ActivityMedia Technology and Candidate-Centered Campaigns Primary Sources
Three primary sources showcase how media technology, from television ads like Eisenhower's "I Like Ike" to Clinton's appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show and Trump's Twitter usage, have been pivotal in shaping presidential candidates' public images and connecting directly with voters.
EssayNixon-Kennedy Televised Debate
Help students understand the role of media in the 1960 presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy.
Lesson plan
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