7 The 100 Most Influential World Leaders of All Time 7Election of 1960
Nixon received his party’s presidential nomination in
1960 and was opposed in the general election by Democrat
John F. Kennedy. The campaign was memorable for an
unprecedented series of four televised debates between
the two candidates. Although Nixon performed well rhe-
torically, Kennedy managed to convey an appealing image
of youthfulness, energy, and physical poise, which con-
vinced many that he had won the debates. In a close
contest, Nixon lost to Kennedy by fewer than 120,000
popular votes. Citing irregularities in Illinois and Texas,
Dwight D. Eisenhower (left) and Richard M. Nixon after being renominated
at the 1956 Republican National Convention in San Francisco. Courtesy of
the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library/U.S. Army