While television was still in its infancy in the 1950's, by 1960
it was becoming a powerful social force in American society.
President Kennedy was the first president to understand and use
the potential of television. The Presidential debates of 1960
were the first to be televised nationally. Those who listened on
the radio generally felt Vice President Richard Nixon was the
winner. But those who watched on television believed John
Kennedy to be the victor. Building on that success after a
narrow election victory of 2/10ths of one percent, President
Kennedy was the first to hold televised press conferences. With
an uncanny ability to speak off-the-cuff and project a down-to-
earth style, the Presidential press conferences (a total of
sixty-four during 3 years in office) also showcased a sense of
humor Americans were unaccustomed to seeing in their chief
executive. President Kennedy was also a master at the use of
still photography. He invited photographers into aspects of the
First Family that had previously