It was September 26, 1960, when the presidential debate between Vice-President
Nixon and Senator Kennedy aired. All the
networks carried that first joint radio-television broadcast. It seemed like everyone in the nation gathered
around their television sets or radios to listen to that first of four debates.
Our family was no different.
We sat in the living room that night, glued to the glowing image in
front of us. Eddie stayed over to watch
with us.
Everyone says they remember where they were that night. I remember sitting on the couch with Eddie
beside me which made it terribly difficult to focus on the debate. It was hard for me to focus, anyway, as they
talked about the Communist offensive, Federal Government expenditures and the
farmers’ economy. It was all gibberish
to me. I did enjoy watching Senator
Kennedy, though. The camera loved him,
which was a complete contrast from Vice-President Nixon who looked as if he
might be sick at any moment.
I also enjoyed watching Eddie with my father as they talked over
every point that was made by both sides.
My father took his responsibility to vote very seriously. He did not take either candidate at face
value. He studied every issue and then
made an informed decision. He said that
was the only way it should be done. He
took it upon himself, since Eddie was with us, to update Eddie on all the
policies which were being discussed.
Eddie listened intently and made intelligent responses, which caused my
father to stop and consider Eddie’s concerns.
It was fun to witness.
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