About the Program
David Pietrusza recounts the presidential campaign and election of 1960, from the contest for the democratic nomination between John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson to the presidential election pitting Kennedy against Richard Nixon. Mr. Pietrusza profiles each politician and examines how the onset of television and the rising influence of presidential primaries impacted the election. The first nationally televised debate occurred on September 26, 1960, between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. This event was hosted by the William K. Sanford Library in Loudonville, New York.