It's often said the first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960 fundamentally changed American politics. We all know the story: Voters who listened to the debate on the radio thought Nixon won, but 65 million television viewers overwhelmingly favored tanned, trim, and poised JFK over Nixon, who looked unwell and uncomfortable under the harsh studio lights.

The popular narrative is that television viewers defaulted to style over substance, but there's more nuance to the story. Kennedy's victory in 1960 wasn't just about his appearance; it was also a matter of smart strategy. While Nixon wore himself thin by campaigning in nearly all 50 states, Kennedy focused on key swing states like Illinois and Texas, which proved crucial in the tight election. Kennedy knew where to focus his energy, and his choice of battlegrounds may have been just as critical as his television performance.

And then there's the persistent allegation that JFK's father, Joseph P. Kennedy, "bought" the election with help from organized crime figures. Allegedly, the vote was rigged in the pivotal states of Illinois and Texas. While no conclusive evidence has emerged of collusion between Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's political machine and Joe Kennedy, the rumor persists because, as history has shown, conspiracy theories are irresistible. In a close election--JFK won the popular vote by just over 100,000 votes--such rumors gain traction and have become part of the lore surrounding 1960.

Revisiting the four debates, which you can find online, you'll likely be struck by how well both candidates acquitted themselves. Nixon and Kennedy gave substantive, detailed answers to specific questions, and........

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