The First Televised Debate: A Surprising History
The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate is often cited as the first televised presidential debate. However, the first nationally televised debate actually occurred four years earlier, in 1956. While Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson were the presidential candidates, the debate featured two prominent women: Eleanor Roosevelt for the Democrats and Senator Margaret Chase Smith for the Republicans. This groundbreaking event took place on November 4, 1956, just two days before the election.
Pioneering Women in Political Debate
By 1956, both Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith were highly respected figures. Roosevelt, a former First Lady and Democratic icon, had been instrumental in Stevenson’s nomination. Smith, a two-term Senator from Maine, had gained national recognition for challenging Senator Joseph McCarthy and serving on the Armed Services Committee. Both women were frequently listed among America’s most admired. The Republican National Committee strategically chose Smith to debate Roosevelt, recognizing her political acumen and national prominence.
Caption: Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith during a break in the debate.
The Debate on Face the Nation
The debate was hosted by CBS’s “Face the Nation,” marking the first time a woman appeared on the program. Focusing primarily on foreign policy, the debate highlighted the contrasting styles of the two participants. Roosevelt, known for her eloquence, dominated much of the discussion. Smith, however, strategically opted for a more reserved approach, meticulously planning her wardrobe, demeanor, and a powerful two-minute closing statement. She understood the importance of visual presentation and concise messaging in the burgeoning medium of television.
Smith’s Strategic Closing Statement
While Roosevelt’s experience allowed her to control much of the debate, Smith’s calculated closing statement proved impactful. She delivered a sharp, succinct summary of key issues, surprising viewers with a “biting staccato” delivery that contrasted with her earlier reserved tone. This shift in demeanor reportedly unnerved Roosevelt, who refused to shake Smith’s hand afterwards. The incident underscored the intensity of the debate and the high stakes of the upcoming election.
Caption: Senator Margaret Chase Smith in a televised appearance.
A Precursor to Modern Political Debates
The public’s reaction to the debate was divided, but Smith’s performance solidified her image as an informed and articulate political figure comfortable with the demands of television. The 1956 debate, while often overlooked, served as a significant precursor to the televised debates that would become a cornerstone of future presidential campaigns. Smith’s experience in the 1956 debate proved invaluable. In 1960, when she ran for reelection to the Senate, she participated in one of the first televised senatorial debates, making her a seasoned veteran of televised political discourse even before Kennedy and Nixon faced off. This pioneering debate featuring Roosevelt and Smith highlighted the power of television in political campaigning and paved the way for future televised debates. It also demonstrated the significant role women played in shaping political discourse, even in an era when they were often marginalized in the political arena.
