Print Debate: Kennedy/Nixon, 1960

Senator John Kennedy, Democrat vs. Vice-President Richard Nixon, Republican
Presidential Campaign

November 3, 1960

Kennedy/Nixon Debate · Info & Schedule

Introduction
This sample Print Debate, between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, illustrates the level playing field that makes a Print Debate an effective tool for candidates to communicate with the electorate. The debate is broken down into four Rounds, which correspond to the historical broadcast debates that occurred in the Fall of 1960 between Mr. Nixon and Mr. Kennedy. Where possible, the content reflects the actual debate transcripts. To best display the application of the Print Debate model, we have altered some of the text, paraphrased and juxtaposed issues and created material so that readers may gain the best sense of the utility and flexibility of Print Debate for the modern campaign.

Table of Contents

Introduction
What is a Print Debate?
About The Print Debate Center
The Candidates
Round 1 Notes
Round 2 Notes
Round 3 Notes
Round 4 Notes
Contact Us

Available Formats
Every Online Print Debate is available at www.printdebate.com in text and PDF formats. While the Web version offers a few options that the PDF format doesn't (such as the ability to quickly jump to the opponent's response for a given statement), the PDF format is more portable and more suitable for printing.

Click the icons below to view the Web versions of each round of the debate:

Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4

Coming soon - PDF versions of the Kennedy/Nixon debate.

What is a Print Debate?
A Print Debate is a structured debate forum that encourages an exchange of political ideas between opposing candidates. A true level playing field for political dialogue, a Print Debate is a modern emulation of the Federalist Papers. In the course of a Print Debate, candidates express plans & initiatives for the issues pertinent to the office. It is a successive, weekly debate that can be published two forms:

Online Print Debate

Displayed in text and available in a downloadable Adobe PDF files at www.printdebate.com.
Available to be displayed in both text and PDF on candidates' websites.
The Print Debate Center will work with a campaign to explore online distribution on high traffic local websites.
Print Debates can be emailed to tens of thousands of registered voters through purchase of commercial email lists from third party providers (such lists are in accordance with CAN-SPAM Act of 2003). See an email sample of Round 1 of the Kennedy/Nixon debate here.

Traditional Print Debate

Published in newspapers and magazines that corresponds with the electorate.
The Print Debate Center acts as a facilitator and mediator between campaigns to place the media buy.

About The Print Debate Center
The Print Debate Center is a non-partisan organization providing a level playing field for political candidates and competing ideas. More >

The Candidates
John F. Kennedy · Bio >
Richard M. Nixon · Bio >

Round 1 · View now >
September 26, 1960 · View actual television debate transcript >

To begin the debate, each candidate sets forth their Plans & Initiatives. The candidates ask direct questions to their opponent, to be answered in for their opponent:

Round 2 · View now >
October 7, 1960 · View actual television debate transcript >

Each candidate provides a direct response to their opponent's Plans & Initiatives on the Issues. The questions posed by the candidates to each other in Round One are answered. Citizen questions derived directly from the electorate are posed and answered.

Round 3 · View now >
October 13, 1960 · View actual television debate transcript >

The candidates defend their Plans & Initiatives by providing a rebuttal to their opponent's response. Each candidate responds to their opponent's answers to the questions. A third question set can be introduced and answered, drawing again from the electorate or from a non-partisan body.

Round 4 · View now >
October 21, 1960 · View actual television debate transcript >

Each candidate makes a Final Statement. The candidates offer a final rebuttal to their opponent's responses. Each candidate offers a List of Top Goals for the office.