s a true political legacy is in his use of Television in his campaign for in the Presidential Election of 1960. Back when Kennedy ran, it was an underutilized tool. Kennedy brought out its potential. Through television, he was able to present himself to vast audiences that he could never have reached. Kennedy exploited the television debate, first used in that election. Kennedy had poise, while also looking tanned and well rested, while his opponent, Richard Nixon, was sick and looked dreadful. Afterwards, during his presidency Kennedy effectively utilized the new medium to his advantage. He was the “contemporary man”, as he was called by Adlai Stevenson after Kennedy’s death. This was portrayed through TV in his vitality and youth. (Schlesinger, 12) It was said by William Manchester, “Newspapermen and television commentators reported the progress of the new administration almost breathlessly. The televised news conferences were immensely popular. Remembering his first debate with Nixon, Jack became the first President to recognize and exploit the possibilities of TV.” (Manchester, 135) His family became a center of public interest. Everyone wanted to know the name of his daughter’s horse or his son’s latest escapade. The television turned the presidential family into a mini soap opera, changing the way the Presidency would be looked at after it. (Manchester, 250) This usage of television is seen today, from round the clock coverage of the president on television, to the media firestorm that surrounded President Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal. President Clinton is a byproduct of this usage of TV. He is a telegenic person who has used his mastery of the medium effectively to convince voters to vote for him. He also says that his idol President is John F. Kennedy.Throughout most of America’s history, the President had to appeal to the commoner to be elected. That usuall...
