The first televised US presidential debate

Witness History

In 1956, the two largest US parties agreed to participate for the first time in a televised debate ahead of the presidential elections. But instead of incumbent President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his Democratic opponent Adlai Stevenson, the audience watched two female representatives defending their candidates.

Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Senator Margaret Chase Smith took the stage to represent the Democratic and Republican candidates. It was a 30-minute format in which speakers focused on international affairs and civil rights. A panel of journalists asked questions and both women were allowed to render a final statement, setting the path for future debates.

Historians Kate Scott and Janann Sherman tell Stefania Gozzer how the event took place.

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(Photo: Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith. Credit: CBS News)