Participants: Republican candidate Richard Nixon, Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy
Format: Each candidate makes an opening statement (~8 minutes), answers questions, and makes a closing statement (~3 minutes)
Focus: Domestic American matters
Senator John F. Kennedy's Opening Statement
Global Context: Kennedy parallels the civil conflict of 1860 to the global ideological battle of 1960
U.S. Strength and Freedom: Emphasizes the importance of U.S. internal strength in maintaining freedom globally
Critiques:
Inadequate economic growth: U.S. had the lowest economic growth rate among major countries
Underutilization: 50% of steel mill capacity unused
Education: More scientists and engineers produced by USSR, inadequate teacher pay
Social Issues: Inequality in opportunity for minorities
Resource Development: Insufficient hydropower projection compared to the Soviet Union
Vision: Calls for national responsibility, effective government action, and recapturing America's global leadership image
Vice President Richard Nixon's Opening Statement
Acknowledges Competition: U.S. is in a race and needs to keep moving ahead
Disagrees with Kennedy's Implication: U.S. is not standing still, cites growth figures
Comparative Growth: Cites more growth in Eisenhower's administration compared to Truman's
Economic Claims:
Average family income and wages increased significantly more than in previous administration
Price stability maintained
Government Role:
Advocates for stimulating private enterprise over public spending
Critiques Kennedy's proposals as retreads of Truman-era ideas
Key Issues Discussed During Questions
Leadership and Experience
Both candidates have been in politics since 1946, but have different types of experience
Kennedy emphasizes legislative experience
Nixon highlights his executive experience and role in decisions
Economic Policies
Kennedy:
Advocates for government intervention in education, healthcare, and social programs
Criticizes current farm policies, calls for effective supply and demand balance
Nixon:
Supports programs to stimulate private sector
Prefers indemnifying farmers rather than raising consumer prices
Education
Disagreement on federal role in teacher salaries
Both agree on need for better educational facilities but differ on approach
Federal Spending
Kennedy: Advocates for balanced budget with essential programs
Nixon: Warns against inflation from overspending, prefers stimulating private sector
Communism
Both see it as a serious threat, emphasize maintaining internal security
Closing Statements
Kennedy: Urges moving forward, enhancing military and economic strength, and ensuring freedom prevails over communism
Nixon: Emphasizes record of growth under Eisenhower, warns against excessive government controls
Conclusion
The debate highlighted fundamental differences in economic policy, government intervention, and strategies to combat communism between the two candidates.