This is how the presidential debate started in America, even before that Lincoln’s debate was famous

The world’s most powerful country, America, is ready to elect its new president. The live presidential debates held in the country play an important role in electing the president. History is a witness that many candidates have succeeded in reaching the presidential chair on the basis of victory in the presidential debate. But there was a time when there was neither TV nor TV debates.

The first live presidential TV debate in the history of America took place in 1960. This debate was broadcast on TV on 26 September 1960. Richard Nixon was the Vice President at that time. During the debate, on one hand John F. Kennedy looked confident. On the other hand, Nixon was nervous, sick and drenched in sweat. Kennedy won this debate. But presidential debates used to take place even before the advent of TV. Of course, these debates were not held in live mode due to the non-invention of TV. But they had a long process of their own. The trend of radio debates was also seen in America.

Debate between Abraham Lincoln and Douglas in 1858

In 1858, seven debates were held between Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas for the Senate elections. These debates were held for the Illinois Senate race. Lincoln was the Republican Party candidate from Illinois at that time, while Douglas was the Democratic Party senator from the same seat. This debate strengthened Abraham Lincoln’s personality at the national level.

After this, in the 1860 US presidential election, Abraham Lincoln was the presidential candidate from the Republican Party while Douglas was the presidential candidate from the Democratic Party.

Wendell Willkie was the first presidential candidate in the 20th century to challenge President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a face-to-face debate in 1940, but Roosevelt declined. In 1948, a radio debate was held between Republicans Thomas E. Dewey and Harold Stassen.

When did the first TV debate take place?

In 1960, the first TV debate took place between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. This debate set a new blueprint for the presidential election in America. This debate took place on 26 September 1960. This debate was organized by CBS’s WBBM-TV. Its moderator was Howard K. Smith. During this, there was also a panel, which also included Sander Vanoker of NBC News, Charles Warren of Mutual News, Stuart Novins of CBS and Bob Fleming of ABC News.