JFK: presidential election 1960 Flashcards
1
Q
1960 election details:
A
- closest in 20th century
- only 119,450 votes between candidates
- margin of 0.17% popular vote to JFK
- Kennedy (43) vs Nixon (47)
2
Q
How did Eisenhower damage Nixon’s campaign
A
- after 1959 budget deficit of $13 billion, he agreed o. huge budget cuts - ignored Nixon and led to recession
- refused to refute accusations that there was a missile gap, making Nixon’s defence campaign look weak
3
Q
1960 election: Nixon’s strengths
A
- 13 years experience in congress (8 years VP)
- anti-Communist rep
- non-privileged background
- pledged to campaign in every state
- strong Californian support (home state)
4
Q
1960 election: Nixon’s weaknesses
A
- didn’t let Eisenhower campaign for him until October 1960 (6 weeks before election)
- rejected advice for TV debates
- Eisenhower blamed Nixons running mate (Henry Cabot Lodge) for losing southern white votes by promising black cabinet member
5
Q
1960 election: JFK’s strengths
A
- war hero
- young and charismatic
- 13 years experience in congress (7 years senate)
- strong support from northern democrats and catholicism
- appealed to African-americans
- chose Johnson as VP
- father’s wealth and political connections
6
Q
1960 election: JFK’s weaknesses
A
- Catholicism believed to have cost him 1.5 million votes (eased worries by meeting with protestant ministers in Houston 2 months before election)
- many believed father was trying to buy the presidency
- his youth made him seem unexperienced to some
7
Q
what did the election come down to in who should win?
A
- presentation: JFK prepared obsessively for TV debate
- economy and Cold War: JFK outlined not everyone had access to American Dream + Nixon didn’t defend Eisenhower’s economic successes
- JFK call to Loretta King after MLK was imprisoned after Atlanta sit in courted black votes
- Kennedy made effective use of merchandiser and photo ops with wife Jackei
