Who Won the First Televised Presidential Debate? A Surprising Answer

The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate is often cited as the first televised presidential debate. However, the first televised debate actually occurred four years earlier, in 1956. While Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson were the presidential candidates, they didn’t participate directly. Instead, two prominent women stood in: Eleanor Roosevelt for the Democrats and Senator Margaret Chase Smith for the Republicans.

The Groundbreaking Debate of 1956

On November 4, 1956, just two days before the election, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith made history on CBS’s Face the Nation. This marked the first time a woman appeared on the program and the first nationally televised presidential debate. The debate predominantly focused on foreign policy issues.

The Contenders: Roosevelt vs. Smith

Both women were formidable figures in American politics. Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady and a Democratic icon, was a powerful advocate for Adlai Stevenson. Senator Smith, a respected Republican in her second term, was known for her integrity and political acumen. She had gained national prominence for challenging Senator Joseph McCarthy and was the first woman to serve on the Armed Services Committee.

Debate Strategies and Styles

Recognizing the power of television, Smith meticulously planned her appearance, opting for a style that contrasted with Roosevelt’s. She insisted on a two-minute closing statement, a strategic move that proved crucial. During the debate, Smith employed a reserved and concise approach, allowing Roosevelt to dominate the initial exchanges. However, Smith’s powerful closing statement, delivered with a “biting staccato,” left a lasting impression.

And the Winner Is…

Determining a clear victor is difficult. Public opinion was divided. Roosevelt’s experience and loquaciousness allowed her to control much of the debate. However, Smith’s strategic closing statement showcased her knowledge and command of the issues. The debate highlighted Smith’s television savvy, proving her to be a skilled communicator in the emerging medium.

A Legacy of Firsts

While the question of who won remains debatable, the 1956 debate undeniably showcased two pioneering women in a male-dominated political landscape. This groundbreaking event paved the way for future televised debates and solidified Margaret Chase Smith’s place in political history. By 1960, she was already a veteran of televised political debates, participating in one of the first televised senatorial debates during her reelection campaign. This experience gave her a significant advantage in the evolving world of political communication.