Sep 26, 2007 10:57 am US/Central
47 Years Ago Today: Historic Kennedy-Nixon Debate
CBS 2 Hosted First Ever Televised Presidential Debate
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Wednesday marks the 47th anniversary of the first debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, a momentous event in the history of both television and broadcasting hosted by CBS 2.
Kennedy and Nixon appeared for the first-ever televised presidential debate on Sept. 26, 1960, at CBS 2 studios, at 630 N. McClurg Ct.
Nixon arrived first, and a few moments later, Kennedy walked into CBS 2's Studio 1, which is now used for the news.
Video shot before the debate shows both Kennedy and Nixon in a relaxed mood, chatting with each other while posing for newspaper photographers. Neither was aware of the cameras, except in reference to the instructions given by the program's director, CBS News' Don Hewitt.
But throughout the debate itself, Sen. Kennedy looked calm, cool and collected, while Vice President Nixon appeared uneasy.
Immediately afterward, many thought Nixon had won the debate. But ultimately, it was Kennedy's presentation and appearance during the debate that many believed gave his election campaign a major boost.
Kennedy, of course, won the election, while Nixon had to wait eight more years to win his chance to get to the White House.
Studio 1 was used for programming for many years after, but a few years ago, our newscasts were moved into the studio after several years in our Studio 2, and before that, the CBS 2 newsroom. But this will be the last anniversary for which CBS 2 will remain at McClurg Court. The station moves next year to our new headquarters in the Loop.
The audio console and a camera used in the debate are now at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, on long-term loan from the Smithsonian Museum of American History. A television camera from the debates is held by Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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