1960 Presidential Debate Analysis

1960 Presidential Debate Analysis

Assessment

Interactive Video

History, Journalism, Performing Arts

9th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Patricia Brown

FREE Resource

The transcript discusses the fourth debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960. A duplex was built on the studio floor for the debate. Kennedy prepared extensively with his team, experimenting with lighting and makeup, while Nixon arrived just 15 minutes before the debate. The debate was pivotal, with Kennedy being better prepared, which contributed to his narrow victory in the presidential election.

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8 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was constructed on the studio floor for the fourth debate?

A single-family house

A duplex

A skyscraper model

A miniature city

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who was involved in John F. Kennedy's preparation for the debate?

His brother Robert Kennedy

His campaign manager

His vice-presidential candidate

His chief of staff

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What did Kennedy's team focus on during the preparation?

Venue decoration

Audience engagement

Lighting and makeup

Speech writing

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Where was Nixon before he arrived at the debate?

A campaign rally

A Navy dedication

A private meeting

A press conference

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How long before the debate did Nixon arrive?

15 minutes

30 minutes

5 minutes

One hour

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the perceived impact of Nixon's late arrival?

It had no impact

It gave him an advantage

It was a strategic move

It negatively affected his performance

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who was considered better prepared for the debate?

Neither was prepared

Both were equally prepared

John F. Kennedy

Richard Nixon

8.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the result of the 1960 presidential election?

Kennedy won by a narrow margin

It ended in a tie

Kennedy won by a large margin

Nixon won by a large margin