Experience Counts Nixon-Lodge

A lenticular image that switches between a black and white photograph of Richard Nixon's head surrounded by gray text on a white background and a black and white photograph of Henry Cabot Lodge's head surrounded by white text on a gray background.

Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. ran as the Republican presidential ticket for the 1960 presidential election against John F. Kennedy. This was Nixon’s first run to become President after serving as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower. As Nixon was a seasoned politician, the slogan seen here "Experience Matters" is likely a reference to Kennedy's relative youth and lack of experience.

The 1960 election was the first year the presidential debates were televised. For the first time, a candidate’s appearance was critically judged along with their policy. Those listening to the debates on the radio thought Nixon won because he was a great orator; however, those watching the television thought Kennedy won as Nixon looked sickly and pale compared to Kennedy’s youthful, photogenic appearance. 

Nixon and Lodge lost the election in a very close race. Kennedy won the Electoral College by a vote of 303-219 and won the popular vote by a slim 0.17% of (112,827 actual votes).