Viewers Opinions

Voter Preferences Remained Generally Unchanged

Support for Kennedy 

Most voters reported that neither candidate did enough to sway their opinion, even with Nixon's sickly appearance. Following the debate, a New York Times journalist went to different states to interview 360 people on the street.  The majority either said they didn't like the debate, or that it didn't change their mind. The few people who said they were swayed by Kennedy or were reassured in their support for him, didn't feel that way because he looked better. In their opinion, he was a better debater than Nixon. Many said he was more confident and aggressive. “Kennedy sold himself and got the better of it by a slim margin, he was definite, sure of himself and sharper,” said a salesman from Virgina.

Kennedy confidently answering his first debate while Nixon's eyes darting back and forth, leading to the idea that he was untrustworthy. (CBS news, youtube)

Example of an Alphonse and Gaston cartoon from 1906. (WikiMedia Commons) 

Effect on the polls

Looking at the September portion of the 1960 poll, we see that the debate had very little effect. After the debates, polls showed it was still a tight race, with Nixon at 47% and Kennedy at 46% among voters. ​​​​​​​

Minds Unchanged 

Most people were not swayed by Kennedy, even if they thought he did a better job. One man said, “for tonight, I'd say Senator Kennedy was the better TV performer. Would he be a better president? I don't know. I don't think either one was too articulate. The debate has not changed my mind at all. I’m still unconvinced.” Most people felt that the debate was a waste of time, and that neither candidate did well. Some were upset that the candidates agreed with each other too often, and said they "ought to come out swinging in the future." One man said that he “didn't think it was much of a debate; too much like Alphonse and Gaston” referencing a 1950s cartoon with two characters who are overly polite to each other (shown to the left). Contrary to current popular opinion, when we look at what was said following the debates, we can see that voters were not as swayed by the debate as we think they were.  ​​​​​​​

“I don't think these debates will change anyones mind who has already decided on the candidates. It's more for people who haven't made up their mind”

~ unknown man from New York Times interview 

Offical Poll from the Kennedy Nixon presidential race (Gallup Polls)

Poll from Kennedy Nixon presidential race (Gallup Polls)

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