Process
1. For this activity you will be split into groups of four.
2. Use the video provided to investigate the Kennedy/Nixon debate.
3. First, read a portion of the transcript of the debate and take notes on who you think made the strongest argument.
Read from Mr. Warren's first question to Mr. Kennedy that starts "Uh-Senator Kennedy," to Mr. Kennedy's response to a school question that ends with, "within a balanced budget if our economy is moving ahead."
5. Now watch this video of the actual debate. While watching the video, write your new opinions on who you think won the debate and why.
6. After watching the video, you will be paired off with one other member in your group of 4. Each pair will create an opinions article about the debate. This article will proclaim either Nixon or Kennedy as the winner of the debate. One pair from the original group will write an article supporting the idea that Kennedy won the debate. The other pair will write an article supporting the idea that Nixon won the debate. Use your notes, the transcript, and the video to support your argument in the article.
7. After typing the articles, you will come together with your group of four and share your work. Now, you will write a reaction paper to what the other side said in order to further endorse your ideas.
8. After this activity, the class will come together and debrief the activity. Some questions that may be asked include:
1. Do you think television played as big a role in the 1960 debate as the "experts" claim? Why or why not?
2. What do you think the participants could have done to minimize the effects of the television?
3. What role do you think the television and media play in today's presidential debates and elections?