1960 vs. 2024: How Political Debates and Techniques Have Changed Over the Years

    Elections have always held a crucial place in human history, as states emerged. A state forms when people unite their will and power under a social contract, choosing a leader or group to represent and govern them. This means people must consider carefully whom they trust with power. Through developing technology, people now have more ways to learn about candidates, making televised debates an important part of their choice.

    The first televised presidential debate in 1960, was between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon. The most recent one was on September 10, 2024, between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Comparing these two debates reveals both similarities and differences. For instance, in both elections, one candidate was the Vice President, carrying great responsibility. This allowed their opponent to highlight issues during the current administration, which could give them an advantage.

Image (1): Presidential candidates John F. Kennedy (left) and Richard M. Nixon are shown following their nationally televised debate in Chicago on Sept. 26, 1960.  | AP Photo

    The 1960 debate had a simple studio setup designed to build trust with viewers. Both candidates spoke clearly and directly to the cameras. John F. Kennedy, younger and charismatic, appeared calm and confident, aiming to create a sense of trust and connection with viewers. His answers were clear, and he maintained steady eye contact with the camera, which helped him appear relatable. Nixon, in contrast, relied on his policy knowledge and experience. With a moderate, softer approach. However, he appeared less polished; he looked nervous and tired, which weakened his image, and detracted from his arguments. His uneasy appearance under the studio lights made him seem less polished, and the famous “Sweaty Nixon” moment was recorded by cameras.

Image (2): A view from the control room as presidential candidates Senator John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) at left, and Vice President Richard M. Nixon (1913 - 1994) center appear on the first-ever televised Presidential debate in Chicago, Illinois, September 26, 1960. Debate host Howard K. Smith sits at a table between them in background. CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

    In the Trump-Harris debate, candidates now use more assertive tactics to capture viewers’ attention, often choosing short, impactful remarks over long policy details. Trump’s responses often seemed unfocused, with more emphasis on attacking Harris than discussing policies. He tried to link her closely to President Joe Biden, framing them as similar politicians. Harris questioned Trump’s fitness for office, calling him a 'disgrace,' and attempted to make him an object of ridicule. Several times, she seemed to suppress laughter as Trump spoke. Harris used confident body language, facing both Trump and the camera. She addressed him by name nearly 40 times, making 'Trump' the second-most-used word in her remarks after 'people.' 

Image (3): Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC as Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump listens, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024. REUTERS / Brian Snyder

    Harris presented herself as empathetic and relatable, highlighting her background and struggles during her youth. She also declared, 'We’re not coming back,' in contrast to "Make America Great Again" implying that her administration had moved past issues caused by Trump’s government.

    Technology and social media allow people to access news instantly, increasing the influence of famous people and changing how candidates act.  Kamala Harris, with confident body language, gained a lot of support and attention on social media. Right after the debate, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris online, which led to a sarcastic response from Elon Musk, a supporter of Donald Trump, on another platform. This shows how today’s political debates are closely linked with social media and public figures, not just two candidates. 

        These two debates highlight the changing landscape of presidential debates and the techniques used within them. They also underscore the influence of the media on debate techniques, from television’s early days, when appearance mattered most, to today’s media environment, where short, impactful moments can define a candidate’s image. The evolution of debate techniques over time reveals not only changing political strategies but also how candidates adjust their tactics to fit the shifting demands of media and public expectations.

Debate Videos

Kennedy vs. Nixon: The first 1960 presidential debate

Full Debate: Harris vs. Trump in 2024 ABC News Presidential Debate | WSJ

Bibliography & References

• Behind the scenes of the first televised presidential debates 60 years ago - By Bill Newcott, September 25, 2020, National Geographic 
• Richard M. Nixon | The White House (whitehouse.gov) 
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• Life of John F. Kennedy | JFK Library
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• Kamala Harris (kamalaharris.com)
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• Leviathan or the Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civill. By Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury; McMaster University Archive of the History of Economic Thought, by Rod Hay.
• U.S. Senate: The First Televised Presidential Debate - www.senate.gov
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• Donald Trump Had a Really, Really Bad Debate | The New Yorker
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• Taylor Swift endorses 'warrior' Kamala Harris for US president in post signed ‘childless cat lady’ | Euronews
• Taylor Swift | Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and... | Instagram
• Elon Musk’s Taylor Swift Response Is Worse Than You Think - The New York Magazine - Intelligencer
• Elon Musk Threatens Taylor Swift After Harris Endorsement: 'I Will Give You a Child' - Rolling Stone
• ‘I Will Give You a Child’: Elon Musk Responds to Taylor Swift’s Political Post - Billboard
• Elon Musk Tweeted a Disturbing Sexual Comment to, Apparently, Taylor Swift | Vanity Fair