Presidential and vice-presidential debates have always produced high drama, good theater and occasionally a president. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy. As presidential contenders go into debate battle today, they make extensive preparations to respond to such jabs.
Debates are now standard fare in presidential campaigns.
But in 1960, Kennedy and Nixon agreed to hold the first one. Kennedy, youthful and confident, understood the power of television. Feeling feverish, Nixon banged his knee getting out of the car at the debate and then hit his head on an overhead microphone. Unhappy about everything, he refused to apply make-up to his heavy beard stubble. Those who listened to the debate on radio thought Nixon won.