The 4th Debate of 1960

The fourth and final debate between Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy took place on October 21, 1960. This debate was in New York City via radio and television.

The focus of this debate was primarily on foreign affairs, and several key topics were covered:

1. Cuba and Communism in the Western Hemisphere: Kennedy criticized the Eisenhower administration (of which Nixon was Vice President) for allowing Cuba to become a Communist state so close to the U.S. shores. Both candidates discussed the threat of communism in the Americas and how best to address it.

2. Berlin Crisis: One of the major Cold War flashpoints at the time was the situation in Berlin. Both candidates recognized the importance of Berlin as a symbol of resistance to communism and spoke about the need to maintain the freedom of West Berlin.

3. Relations with the Soviet Union: Both candidates had somewhat differing views on how to handle relations with the USSR. Kennedy spoke about the importance of closing the “missile gap” (a term referring to the perceived Soviet lead over the U.S. in intercontinental ballistic missiles) and how the U.S. should not be second to the USSR in any arena. Nixon emphasized the progress that had been made under the Eisenhower administration and focused on the need for peaceful coexistence while ensuring that America remained strong.

4. China: The topic of whether to recognize Communist China and its admission to the United Nations was a point of discussion. Nixon stressed that the U.S. should not recognize the Communist regime, while Kennedy felt that the situation needed to be re-evaluated, without outright endorsing recognition.

5. Nuclear Weapons Testing: The danger of nuclear proliferation was a concern. The candidates discussed the merits and drawbacks of a potential nuclear test ban treaty.

By the time of the fourth debate, both candidates had established their debate personalities and styles:

JFK was polished, calm, and projected an image of vigor and youth. He was effective in presenting his vision for a “New Frontier,” and his oratory skills were evident. Throughout the debates, Kennedy effectively used TV as a medium, looking directly into the camera when addressing the audience, making him seem more personable and relatable.

Nixon had learned from his mistakes in the earlier debates. While the first debate saw him appearing ill and tired, by the fourth debate he was better prepared in terms of makeup and appearance. Nixon’s strength was his vast experience in foreign policy, and he leaned on that heavily, trying to portray Kennedy as inexperienced.

While historians and analysts debate about the overall impact of the debates on the election’s outcome, many agree that they solidified Kennedy’s image as a viable, strong candidate, dispelling concerns over his relative youth and inexperience. The ability of television to shape perceptions was clear and would forever change political campaigns in the U.S.

The fourth debate, focused on foreign affairs, showcased the candidates’ stances on some of the most pressing international issues of the day. It was an important moment for the American electorate to compare the foreign policy visions of the two men vying for the presidency.