Which presidential nominees faced off in the first major party debate?

The first major party debate in the history of U.S. presidential elections took place in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This debate is significant because it was the first time television played a pivotal role in a presidential campaign. The way that both candidates presented themselves visually and verbally impacted public perception and voter opinion, showcasing the importance of media in politics.

Kennedy's charismatic television presence contrasted with Nixon's less confident appearance, contributing to the overall impression voters had of both candidates during that election. This debate set a precedent for future presidential debates and highlighted the evolving nature of campaign strategy where visual appeal and media engagement became essential.

The other choices refer to other presidential debates, but none were the first in the major party context, making the Kennedy-Nixon debate a landmark moment in American political history.