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Now, this was a debate to remember / Photo, video

1:24 PM Fri, Sep 26, 2008 | Permalink
By Andrea Panciera

AP file photo
The first televised presidential debate in U.S. history took place in 1960, between Sen. John F. Kennedy, at the lectern, and Vice President Richard Nixon, at right. Between them is moderator Howard K. Smith.

The big buzz this week in the land of presidental debates has been whether John McCain would change his mind and debate Barack Obama tonight. Now we know he will.

But today also marks the anniversary of a politcal milestone: the first-ever televised debate between presidential candidates -- featuring Democrat John F. Kennedy and Repubican Richard Nixon.

The debate, featuring a tanned, fit-looking Kennedy, and a tired, over-madeup Nixon, catapulted the role of TV in the election process. Kennedy went on to win the election.

Take a look at a clip from the historic event, in the Associated Press's Today in History video report.