KHRUSHCHEV & NIXON SQUARE OFF IN KITCHEN DEBATE
Moscow, USSR (JFK+50) On July 24, 1959, Premier Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union and Vice President Richard Nixon of the United States squared off in an informal debate at the American National Exhibition here in Moscow.
The superpowers displayed exhibits as part of a cultural exchange program. The Soviet exhibit opened in New York while the American exhibit in Moscow included a complete house filled with modern kitchen appliances.
As they came to the kitchen display, the Vice-President said...
"This is our newest model. This is the kitchen which is built in thousands of units for direct installations in the houses. In America, we like to make life easier for women."
The Premier, not especially impressed, replied...
"Your capitalistic attitude toward women does not occur under communism."
Khrushchev went on to say that in his country...
"All you have to do to get a house is to be born in the Soviet Union. You are entitled to housing. In America, if you do not have a dollar you have a right to choose between sleeping in a house or on the pavement."
The Premier appeared, however, to be willing to agree to disagree with the Vice-President when he said...
"You're a lawyer of Capitalism. I'm a lawyer for Communism. Let's kiss!"
SOURCE
Moscow, USSR (JFK+50) On July 24, 1959, Premier Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union and Vice President Richard Nixon of the United States squared off in an informal debate at the American National Exhibition here in Moscow.
The superpowers displayed exhibits as part of a cultural exchange program. The Soviet exhibit opened in New York while the American exhibit in Moscow included a complete house filled with modern kitchen appliances.
As they came to the kitchen display, the Vice-President said...
"This is our newest model. This is the kitchen which is built in thousands of units for direct installations in the houses. In America, we like to make life easier for women."
The Premier, not especially impressed, replied...
"Your capitalistic attitude toward women does not occur under communism."
Khrushchev went on to say that in his country...
"All you have to do to get a house is to be born in the Soviet Union. You are entitled to housing. In America, if you do not have a dollar you have a right to choose between sleeping in a house or on the pavement."
The Premier appeared, however, to be willing to agree to disagree with the Vice-President when he said...
"You're a lawyer of Capitalism. I'm a lawyer for Communism. Let's kiss!"
SOURCE
"The Kitchen Debate," www.teachingamericanhistory.org/
Khrushchev and Nixon
Kitchen Debate
July 24, 1959
