The televised presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon during the 1960 United States Presidential Election were the first of their kind, allowing the American public to see the candidates interact live. A direct, almost immediate result was a shift in support for Kennedy, as Nixon profusely sweated and gave clear signs of anxiety throughout the debate, while Kennedy kept his calm poise in tact. This was most apparent during the first debate on Sept. 26, 1960, when Richard Nixon showed up to the debate just mere hours after campaigning, looking exhausted and sick.