Nixon conveys the impact of the image on society and how it even changed the course of history. The debate ushered in a new era in which television and media would dominate the political campaigns and dictate the way in which we choose our world leaders. The spontaneous immediacy and power of the television worked well for those who could think on their feet. For the first four debates, Kennedy arrived looking young, well-groomed, and confident, while his opponent Nixon, who had recently been released from the hospital after spending two weeks recovering from a badly injured knee, appeared haggard and shaggy and was sporting a scruffy "five o'clock shadow" or light beard. Nixon then refused makeup which only accentuated his malnourished look and his wrinkled suit. According to the Museum of Broadcast History, those who experienced the debate through radio considered Nixon's answers to questions to be more substantial and gave him the advantage during the debate. In contrast, those who experienced the debate via television gave Kennedy the edge, as their opinions were determined by the way the candidate appeared on screen rather than what he said. Kennedy went on to win the debate and the presidency, thus verifying the fact that image culture, even at it's beginnings, substantially influences people in their opinions and choices and ultimately, the course of history. .
Since that time leaders, companies, celebrities, and even ordinary people are defined by how they are portrayed through social media and images. People can create a life for themselves on media and internet that is just a facade for those who view it through images. For national and world leaders to be successful, they must focus on presenting themselves as having an image that appeals to people. This image can then be altered anyway they deem fit. .
The ability to manipulate the image make the image very useful and powerful to the manipulator.
