In 1960 history was made when Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon appeared on American’s televisions and debated for the Oval Office. The debate was a hot topic before it aired, while it aired and even years after. During the debate, Richard Nixon was sweating and looked ill, while his opponent, John F. Kennedy, who was already seen as an icon, looked like his normal attractive self. Following the debate, newspaper articles made Nixon’s infamous appearance their headlines and topic of political cartoons. The headlines that were published included theories that Vice President Nixon was sabotaged making him look so poorly. The physical appearance of the two candidates played a large role at the voting polls. Before the televised debate, the two candidates to part of a radio debate. It was a common discussion that after hearing the radio debate, Nixon had the people’s favor but after the televised debate, people chose Kennedy.  The countless cartoons and articles stood as a countless reminder of his loss. Even after Richard Nixon lost the presidency to his democratic opponent, his horrific performance haunted him. Nixon refused to debate on television during his second run in fear that it would ruin his public vote. If it was not for the advancement in technology, it would not have been possible for a televised debate to exist. If the debate never took place, and only radio debates were done, Richard Nixon would have won the presidency. The advancement of technology caused Richard Nixon lose his seat in the Oval Office.