The Democrats nominated Humphrey as their candidate to face the Republican candidate, former Vice President Richard Nixon.

VOA: special.2009.08.30

As Vice President, Nixon took on major duties in the Eisenhower Administration.

WHITEHOUSE: Richard M. Nixon

Kennedy, who was challenging Vice President Richard Nixon, played to concerns that the U.S. was losing its competitive edge against the Soviet Union.

CNN: Debates aim to restart presidential campaigns

In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon were nominated for second terms in office by the Republican National Convention in San Francisco.

CNN: Thursday,