Presidency and the Media
The Political government and the Mass Media are two huge manifestations of our nation of America. Over the years both have needed each other to be successful. In 1960 the potential of the, then small later to become known as powerful, media was seen in the Presidential Debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This was the first time, nominees of two major parties met to debate during a general election. It was also the first huge televised event and so Congress suspended the equal time provision of the Federal Communications Act from 1934. What is remembered most, is the telegenic "image" of Kennedy versus the decidedly non-telegenic image of Nixon. Nixon didn't wear make-up, was recovering from the flu and had lost weight, and also suffered from a knee injury. He wore a gray suit, which provided little contrast with the background set. Kennedy wore a dark suit, wore make-up, and was coached on how to sit and what to do when he wasn't speaking or looking at Nixon. The major theme was the threat of global communism. One study conducted during the conclusion of the debates
Nixon gradually disengaged from the war, reducing U. There were no satellite links or cell phones in 1963, but that did not stop journalist and reporters from racing to pay phones and informing their newsrooms of unconfirmed facts of the event. Nixon astonished virtually everyone by designating the relatively unknown governor of Maryland, Spiro T. During the next debate Nixon learned from the mistakes and adopted a more telegenic image by trying to emulate Kennedy and worn a dark suit and make-up, and also taking more of an aggressive stance. Kennedy was accredit for his peace making efforts on international affairs, and increasing America's position in the Cold War, while easing the situation at the same time. During Nixon's reign as President, he did not receive the same favorable coverage. Because of his numerous favorable accomplishments, Nixon swept the President election of 1972, and was elected for another term; however all this favorable light came to a shrieking halt with domestic affairs and scandals back at home in the United States. This image was upheld by the media's coverage and/or non-coverage of major events during his presidency. A plus for Nixon's media image in addition to his trips USSR - Russia, and China. Nevertheless with attempts to get from behind the losing shadow to late President Kennedy, in 1968 he wanted to start anew. The choice of Agnew symbolized Nixon's new campaign strategy. One major event of the Cuba missile crisis failed to receive adequate media coverage, due to it's infancy at the time, but even this led to Kennedy's continued favorable appearance in like of the potential danger zone for his career. However it was too late, the characters had already been developed, and Nixon was decided not to be the media's favored. And upon his burial, more than 93 percent of television homes in the U.
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