Final answer:
Seventy million people watched the first televised presidential debate in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, which illustrated the impact of television on voters' perceptions and set the stage for future televised political debates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seventy million people watched the first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon on September 23, 1960. This historic event demonstrated the significant influence of television on public perception. The more telegenic Kennedy, with his polished appearance and confident body language, was perceived as the winner by television viewers. In contrast, Nixon, who was recovering from the flu and chose not to wear makeup, appeared sweaty and uncomfortable, which negatively impacted viewers' perceptions despite his substantial answers. This debate highlighted the importance of image in modern political campaigns. Later debates, such as the Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter debate in 1976, cemented the role of televised debates in presidential elections.