Timeline: The 1960 Election

Nov 25, 1956

J. Kennedy's Decision

This is when John F. Kennedy decided to run.

Period: Nov 25, 1956 to Dec 27, 1960

The 1960 Election

Jan 2, 1960

JFK Announcement

John F. Kennedy announces his
candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Jan 9, 1960

Richard Nixon Announcement

Richard M. Nixon announces his candidacy
for the presidency.

Sep 26, 1960

The First Debate

ORIGINATED FROM CBS IN CHICAGO AND WAS CARRIED BY ALL NETWORKS. THE DEBATE WAS A HOUR LONG. THE FORMAT OF THE DEBATE WAS EIGHT MINUTE OPENING STATEMENTS; TWO AND A HALF MINUTE RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS; OPTIONAL REBUTTAL; THREE MINUTE CLOSING STATEMENTS. THERE WAS 66.4 MILLION VIEWERS VIEWING INTO THIS DEBATE.

Oct 7, 1960

Second Debate

THE DEBATE HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND WAS A HOUR LONG. THE FORMAT OF THE DEBATE WAS NO OPENING OR CLOSING STATEMENTS; EACH QUESTIONED IN TURN WITH OPTIONAL REBUTTAL. THERE WAS 61.9 MILLION VIEWERS VIEWING INTO THIS DEBATE.

Oct 13, 1960

Third Debate

THE DEBATE WAS A HOUR LONG. THERE WAS A SPLIT-SCREEN TELECAST WITH NIXON AND PANELISTS IN ABC STUDIO IN LOS ANGELES AND KENNEDY IN ABC STUDIO IN NEW YORK. THE FORMAT OF THE DEBATE WAS NO OPENING OR CLOSING STATEMENTS; EACH QUESTIONED IN TURN WITH TWO AND A HALF MINUTES TO ANSWER; ONE AND A HALF MINUTE REBUTTALS OPTIONAL. THERE WAS 63.7 MILLION VIEWERS VIEWING THIS DEBATE.

Oct 21, 1960

Fourth Debate

THE DEBATE HAPPENED IN NEW YORK CITY AND WAS A HOUR LONG. THE FORMAT OF THE DEBATE WAS EIGHT MINUTE OPENING STATEMENTS; EACH QUESTIONED IN TURN WITH TWO AND A HALF MINUTES TO ANSWER; ONE AND A HALF MINUTE REBUTTAL; THREE MINUTE CLOSING STATEMENTS. THERE WAS 60.4 MILLION VIEWERS VIEWING INTO THIS DEBATE.