Read the excerpts from "opening statements from John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon First Televised Debate."

Kennedy: Therefore, I think the question before the American people is: Are we doing as much as we can do? Are we as strong as we should be? Are we as strong as we must be if we're going to maintain our independence, and if we're going to maintain and hold out the hand of friendship to those who look to us for assistance, to those who look to us for survival? I should make it very clear that I do not think we're doing enough, that I am not satisfied as an American with the progress that we're making.

Nixon: Let's look at the record. Is the United States standing still? Is it true that this Administration, as Senator Kennedy has charged, has been an Administration of retreat, of defeat, of stagnation? . . . let's put it in terms of the average family. What has happened to you? We find that your wages have gone up five times as much in the Eisenhower Administration as they did in the Truman Administration. . . . Now, this is not standing still.

Which statement best compares or contrasts Nixon's and Kennedy's positions on the average American's economic position?


Kennedy believes that economic progress for most Americans has been slow, while Nixon believes good progress has been made.

Kennedy believes that too many Americans rely on government handouts, while Nixon thinks that fewer and fewer people are doing so.

Kennedy thinks that the government is doing as much as it can for most Americans, while Nixon argues that the government should do even more.

Kennedy believes that friendship is the key to economic success, while Nixon thinks economic success depends on hard work.