The 1960 presidential debate

The 1960 general election presidential debates came about for at least three reasons. One, both candidates (Nixon and Kennedy) saw political advantage to using television; two, the national networks were eager to prove they could be civic-minded without federal regulations; and three, debates were seen as a part of a larger movement to reform presidential campaigns. Also, Congress suspended the equal time provision of the Communications Act of 1934, to allow a two man debate. The law stated a broadcasting station permitting a candidate use of its facilities had to give an equal opportunity to all other candidates for that office. (Meaning all MINOR candidates as well as the speaker's major-party opponent would be given equal air time.) The 1960 debate was the first face-to-face debate of the major party nominees.