The photo above – U.S. Sen. John F. Kennedy, left, and Vice President Richard M. Nixon square off in their first televised debate Sept. 26, 1960, in Chicago before CBS moderator Howard K. Smith. (Chicago Tribune) – shows the stark and low tech image of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate – the setting of tonight’s Obama-Romney debate tonight will be lavish by contrast!

From History.com…

In 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon squared off in the first televised presidential debates in American history. The Kennedy-Nixon debates not only had a major impact on the election’s outcome, but ushered in a new era in which crafting a public image and taking advantage of media exposure became essential ingredients of a successful political campaign. They also heralded the central role television has continued to play in the democratic process.

More here: http://www.history.com/topics/kennedy-nixon-debates