Kennedy vs. Nixon: The first 1960 presidential debate

The 1960 presidential cycle featured former Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the Democratic nominee, and Vice President Richard Nixon, a Republican. The first debate, and the first one ever to be televised, featured an hour-long discussion focusing on domestic issues. Moderated by Howard K. Smith of CBS, with questions posed by a panel of journalists, the debate took place on September 26, 1960, in Chicago. This content is brought to you as part of a PBS NewsHour project to make all presidential and vice presidential debates available to watch online. To view other debates, go to: Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: Find more from PBS NewsHour at Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Follow us: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Subscribe: PBS NewsHour podcasts: Newsletters: