Deekota Williams

American History 9:45

The Election of 1960

One of the most influential people in the United State is the President. So this will

be no surprise that the election was a big deal. Elections not only effect the United

States but it can also effect foreign countries as well. This good be for good and bad

reasons. Leading up too the election we have got our feet back under us ager the war

and prospering. The election was between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy and

had many significant events happening. Including being the first televised election,

potentially the first catholic president and potentially the youngest president of this time.

John F. Kennedy or too some (JFK) was the governor of Massachusetts and was

at a young age of 43 when he ran. Kennedy was Catholic which too some was a

problem because, some thought this could be going back too what their ancestors had

gotten away from. But Kennedy told them not too worry he knew the line between

church and state. Kennedy was also a war hero in WW 2 he was in the navy in a ship in
the pacific when he rescued many fellow crew members and made some other heroic

actions that saved many sailors life so his campaign became known as Courage and

Character.

On the other end of the spectrum there was Richard Nixon of the Republican

party. He was from California and had the advantage in years so that is he brought

experience too the table. Nixon was the Vice-President for Dwight Eisenhower so this

he looked very good on paper. Nixon stressed his steadfast commitment to fighting

communism. He had made a name for himself as a staunch red-baiter in the post-war

era, leading the charge against alleged spy BB#00083720ALGER HISS. Nixon emphasized

the importance of his 8 years as Vice-President. The Soviet Union and China were

always pressing, and America could ill afford a President who had to learn on the job.

(us history.org) Even though he could of played the religion card against his opponent

he didnt. He wanted too make sure the public knew Kennedy was too inexperience and

didn't offer the leadership that it required to become President.

But we have too remember that this was the first eletion that had a debate on

television. Kennedy had been resting getting ready for the debate. While on the other

hand Nixon had been campaigning very diligently and hadn't gotten much rest at all. It

all depended on whether you were watching the debate or listening. The people

listening say that Nixon was a better debater but, the people watching said that Kennedy
looked more up stand and was a better figure for President while Nixon look older and

pale. These were the factors that helped Kennedy win and became the first Catholic

President of the United States. So, in conclusion television played a significant role in

Kennedys win tin the 1960s election.

Work Cited

ushisrtoy.org. 2008. Web. 11 April 2015.