The Kitchen Debate (Nixon and Khrushchev, 1959) Part I of II

The Kitchen Debate was a series of impromptu exchanges (through interpreters) between then U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev at the opening of the American National Exhibition at Sokolniki Park in Moscow on July 24, 1959. For the exhibition, an entire house was built that the American exhibitors claimed anyone in America could afford. It was filled with labor saving and recreational devices meant to represent the fruits of the capitalist American consumer market. It was the first high-level meeting between Soviet and U.S. leaders since the Geneva Summit in 1955. It took place in a number of locations at the exhibition but primarily in the kitchen of a suburban model house, cut in half so it could be viewed easily.

The two men discussed the merits of each of their respective economic systems, capitalism and communism. It was recorded on Ampex color videotape, a new technology pioneered in the U.S by the Ampex company.; during the debate Nixon pointed this out as one of the many American technological advances.

Both men argued for their countrys industrial accomplishments, with Khrushchev stressing the Soviets focus on things that matter rather than luxury. He satirically asked if there was a machine that "puts food into the mouth and pushes it down". Nixon responded by saying at least the competition was technological, rather than military. In the end, both men agreed that the United States and the Soviet Union should be more open with each other. However, Khrushchev was skeptical of Nixon's promise that his part in the debate would be translated into English and broadcast in the U.S.

Ampex Data Systems Corporation is still on the forefront of technology development. More information can be found at www.ampex.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• kitchen debate
• Nixon
• Khrushchev
• Ampex
• color videotape
• history

[hannah11586]

@Murfitizer26 not liking American capitalism does not equate to liking Communism/Castroism/Juche theocracy

[iamtoothewalrus]

Russia was and is full of bluff and lies.

[dddrrmm]

Its verry interesting, however I fear that people who didn't understand russian missed on a lot of what he said.

[Murfitizer26]

@michaelwuzthere @nepatriots77 (i dont know if that gets it to both of you but we'll see) mr. patriot, your holding your argument rather poorly despite the initial idea being right and me agreeing with you. mr michael, you are correct: it is not fair thirty-ish years in (an individuals age). however, from the start, every American is given mostly the same opportunity (public school) to prove that theyre worth the money needed for going to college. what is done with x opportunity is up to you

[Murfitizer26]

ok... for people debating in the comments: if you think the American system sucks and would prefer a Communist rule (where you would not own the computer you are currently using), then move to Cuba or North Korea. Otherwise, stfu and quit complaining.

[Baskir0v]

look how nixon fears the soviet union

[michaelwuzthere]

@nepatriots77 I don't think I'm aware of who you're talking to..? Because I didn't say anything about a utopia. It's utopian to want justice? Or to want a fair system? I don't think you have any comprehension of what you're talking about, outside of talking points which have been spoon fed to you.

[nepatriots77]

@michaelwuzthere I may not be an idealist but im certainly a realist. What you are asking for is utopia. It's just not achievable. Not everyone can benefit. Survival the fittest. That's the kind of a world we live in. WAKE UP! You don't want to die or live as a lower class citizen then do something about it and stop whining. Make good decisions and succeed instead of complaining and relying on the government because the government is made of ppl too. Ppl will do what they can to be the best.

[michaelwuzthere]

@nepatriots77 Spoiled? Then clearly you know nothing of what you're talking about. You don't need to be smarter than a fool to realise that there is major injustice in the American economic system, when crooks and thieves live easily without having to work a day in their life, while the majority of society struggles day to day to make a meek and liveable living as best they can. Absolutely disgusting.

[nepatriots77]

@michaelwuzthere Yeah I knew you would mention that and I was about to explain but the youtube comment limit stopped me. You see, it seems like all those people protesting in various places especially in Wall street NY look unhappy because the regulations in America is bad. But guess what? How about those people are just spoiled. They are complaining about the income in gap in the US but that's how it is most successful ppl earn a lot of money and those who are not have to settle with less.