Television has greatly affected politics in America. Specifically, television has impacted politicians running for office, and furthermore affected the opinions of the public eye. Advertisements and debates were absolutely key in presidential campaigning, because this allowed the candidates to distribute their ideas to the masses. One political figure’s rise and fall was strictly because of the impact the television had on people. For Richard Nixon, television was undoubtedly influential in his presidential campaigns in that he was able to gain America’s support through his “Checkers speech”, but later on in his career, lose the nation’s support with the televised presidential debates.
The most effective use of the television in the 1952 …show more content…
Nixon seemed like he was nervous compared to the John F. Kennedy’s poise (Kovarik 246). Interestingly, on radio the first debate between Kennedy and Nixon a draw, with some even giving Nixon the edge. But on television it was a blow out favoring Kennedy. Throughout the debate, Kennedy “looked to be radiating in health” (Botehlo). He was very appealing with his dark suit, large smile, and glowing tan (Botehlo). In contrast, Nixon looked very pale and ill as he had just been released from the hospital after suffering an infection from a bashed knee during a campaigning effort in North Carolina. Nixon was 20 pounds underweight and quite frail (History.com Staff). Former Senator Bob Dole remembers listening to the radio of the first debate and thinking that Nixon was doing a great job. Then he recalls seeing the video clips the next day and it didn’t look good as it seemed that Kennedy wiped him out (Botehlo). Nixon also took a huge hit in hit campaign when a reporter asked President Eisenhower to list his vice president’s contributions. Eisenhow responded with, “If you give me a week, I might think of one. I don’t remember” (The Living Room Candidate). The democratic party had a hay day with this report and turned Eisenhower’s words into an advertisement. The television
The most effective use of the television in the 1952 …show more content…
Nixon seemed like he was nervous compared to the John F. Kennedy’s poise (Kovarik 246). Interestingly, on radio the first debate between Kennedy and Nixon a draw, with some even giving Nixon the edge. But on television it was a blow out favoring Kennedy. Throughout the debate, Kennedy “looked to be radiating in health” (Botehlo). He was very appealing with his dark suit, large smile, and glowing tan (Botehlo). In contrast, Nixon looked very pale and ill as he had just been released from the hospital after suffering an infection from a bashed knee during a campaigning effort in North Carolina. Nixon was 20 pounds underweight and quite frail (History.com Staff). Former Senator Bob Dole remembers listening to the radio of the first debate and thinking that Nixon was doing a great job. Then he recalls seeing the video clips the next day and it didn’t look good as it seemed that Kennedy wiped him out (Botehlo). Nixon also took a huge hit in hit campaign when a reporter asked President Eisenhower to list his vice president’s contributions. Eisenhow responded with, “If you give me a week, I might think of one. I don’t remember” (The Living Room Candidate). The democratic party had a hay day with this report and turned Eisenhower’s words into an advertisement. The television