QOD 4/7 (Recap) Who won the presidential election of 1960?

QOD 4/7 (Recap)

• Who won the presidential election of 1960?

1960 Presidential Election

The Candidates

• Democratic Nominee John F. Kennedy

• Republican Nominee Richard M. Nixon

Similarities

• Young

• Served in navy during WWII

• Elected to Congress

• Passionate about Cold War fight

• Energetic and hard working

Differences

• JFK- wealthy upbringing from a prestigious family (Catholic)

• Nixon- no prestigious background, served as Vice President under Eisenhower

Televised Debates

• 1st ever televised presidential debates (4)

• Debates demonstrated growing power and influence of TV

• Debates relied mostly on appearances and body language

Televised Debates

• JFK was calm, cool, & collected

• Nixon seemed nervous, fidgety, & exhausted

• Those that listened to debate over radio argued that Nixon had won, but those that watched on TV saw Kennedy as the victor!

Kennedy Wins!

• Close presidential election

• Largest voter turnout in country’s history

New Leadership

• Kennedy symbolized the new decade and the new generation of Americans that were seeking change

• However, Kennedy only won the election by a small margin, so he felt he had to convince Americans he could handle the task

Inaugural Address

• On January 20, 1961, President Kennedy was sworn in to the presidency

• In his inaugural address, Kennedy addressed issues of foreign policy and the Cold War

• He issued a call to service for Americans to help in fighting this war,& issues a warning America’s enemies – “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what

you can do for your country.”