TelevisionFrom Social Psychology -to- Nixon/JFK televised debates Molly Mueller

Psychology of FDR  Franklin D. Roosevelt did not receive the T.V publicity that JFK or Nixon had, due to lack of technology.  FDR was always publicized in photographs, and rarely had his picture taken in his wheelchair.  During FDR’s terms ( ) the Great Depression was at it’s worst. Unemployment skyrocketing and people suffering with lack of housing and starvation.  FDR became sick with poliomyelitis, this paralyzed him waist and down. He never regained the ability to walk.  FDR was always fearful someone would see him in his wheelchair, he thought he needed to be seen standing, a symbol of strength. Franklin Roosevelt with Ruthie Bie and Fala at Hilltop Cottage in Hyde Park. (1941). Franklin D. Roosevelt Library.

Psychology of FDR -> Nixon & JFK  FDR even went the extra mile and would cleverly hide his disability at places such as the Waldorf Hotel, which had a secret railroad track entrance, and an elevator to his suite or the lobby  As the election of 1960 approached, Nixon wanted to challenge Kennedy. Nixon chose television as the form of medium. Nixon was extremely confident, feeling as though he knew his material and could gain more supporters.  Weeks before the debate, Nixon was healing from a knee injury in the hospital. Berryman, C. (1938). FDR. Washington Evening Star.

Psychology of Nixon & JFK  Tuning into the debate, the contrast was apparent. Nixon pale, he had refused make up. It has been said he looked “Transparent.”  Kennedy known as JFK was well rested, and had been campaigning in California with his convertible top down, Nixon was stunned by his good health. “But the 70 million who watched television saw a candidate still sickly and obviously discomforted by Kennedy's smooth delivery and charisma. Those television viewers focused on what they saw, not what they heard. Studies of the audience indicated that, among television viewers, Kennedy was perceived the winner of the first debate by a very large margin” <Allen, E. T. THE KENNEDY-NIXON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES, Museum of Broadcast and Communications. Retrieved May 27, 2008, Bettmann/Corbis. (1960). Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy during one of their presidential debates in 1960.

It comes down to…  Mere exposure effect: The idea that the more you see someone or something. The better the chance of you having more positive feelings towards that something or someone. Consider: The fact that Kennedy and Nixon were both on T.V the elections were broadcasted with actual moving visuals. For those who were states away, it was as though they were in the audience. The more the candidates made news, the more people would have the chance to see them. Persuasion: which originates from the source/communicator. Important factors in an influence of a communicator to a they must have credibility, expertise, trustworthiness, power. And In most cases, attractiveness plays a key role in influence.

JFK appeared more comfortable and was very charismatic. Nixon appeared scrawny due to his severe 20 pound weight loss in the hospital. Television brought a new spectrum of physical appearance that would appeal to generations. Groups of the young generation found JFK more appealing due to similarities such as a the fact he was a younger age. Nixon. (1960). CBS News.

Conclusion Televising debates has changed the nation socially on how they examine their candidates for office. How humans now turn to the television to examine, how the search for similarity in candidates and to feel as though they’re equal and care about their supporters. Ideally persuasion is a key player, and appearance is important to the public. When they see someone as JFK who was fit and had a healthy glow, it gave him appeal that he had more competency and intelligence. Despite Nixon’s experience, Kennedy spoke with much ease on the televised debates. First impressions are key roles into determining he political party to choose. One last factor is the audience who can be influenced depending on age, gender and own beliefs of the audience. With appearance, credibility and other factors, a political candidates and change people’s views. If the cards are correctly played.

Biblography Franklin Roosevelt with Ruthie Bie and Fala at Hilltop Cottage in Hyde Park. (1941). Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. Franklin Roosevelt with Ruthie Bie and Fala at Hilltop Cottage in Hyde Park. (1941). Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC). THE KENNEDY-NIXON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES, Retrieved May 27, 2008, from nixon.htm Dewey, R. A. Psych Web. Retrieved May 27, 2008, from Brennan, J. Grand Central Terminal, Waldorf-Astoria platform. Abandoned Stations. Retrieved May 27, 2008, from