First Presidential Debate of 1960 Election Sealed Richard Nixon's Fate

Here is one of the great "What Ifs":

What if Richard Nixon had worn make-up to the first debate of the 1960 US Presidential election?

If he had worn make-up, there is a good chance that he would have won the election that year, which would mean that JFK never would have become President (at least not that year).

Instead, the first debate of the 1960 US Presidential election likely decided the fate of the election, and it all came down to one thing - make-up.

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Richard Nixon has said that he likely lost the 1960 election due to electing not to wear make-up to the September 26th, 1960 debate on September 26th, 1960.

Heading into the debate, the polling numbers were extremely close. Some polls had Nixon ahead - other had JFK ahead.

Following the debate on September 26th, 1960, however, JFK moved into the lead in the polls, and he never relinquished it. In the end, JFK eked out a very close victory.

Nixon was dealing with a number of issues heading into the first televised debate on September 26th, 1960. He had suffered a knee injury, which led to a staph infection. He was exhausted from campaigning so vigorously.

Nixon was asked if he wanted to wear make-up to the first debate and he refused - JFK, on the other hand, wore make-up.

When Nixon and JFK appeared on screen at the debate, the difference in their appearances was stark.

In fact, Nixon's mother remarked that her son looked like he had been "embalmed".

Nixon had stubble on his face and quickly broke into a sweat. Nixon's suit matched the color of the backdrop, putting even more emphasis on his face.

In addition, Nixon frequently looked at an off-camera clock, which gave him the appearance of being nervous.

JFK, on the other hand, looked like a movie star, and was poised and confident under the bright lights.

There were three more debates, and Nixon learned from his mistakes, but the damage had been done, as JFK ended up winning the election.

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The 1960 election illustrated the importance of appearance and was a great lesson for future Presidential hopefuls.

Filed under: General Knowledge