Hello, and welcome back to another edition of the presidential election series. Today, we’re diving into the election of 1960, where Richard Nixon sought to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, but first, he had to face a fresh-faced Senator from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy (JFK), who had both charisma and financial backing on his side.
Nixon for President
After eight solid years of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President, Eisenhower became the first commander-in-chief unable to seek re-election due to the passing of the 22nd Amendment. With Eisenhower’s presidency winding down, Vice President Richard Nixon set his sights on the Republican nomination for president. His primary challenger in the early stages was Nelson Rockefeller, Governor of New York and leader of the Republican Party’s ‘Eastern Establishment’ wing. Rockefeller soon dropped out, unable to overcome Nixon’s popularity.
Nixon secured the nomination, becoming the first sitting vice president nominated for president by a major party since John C. Breckinridge in 1860. His running mate was Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., former Senator from Massachusetts and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Democratic Nominees
Several candidates competed for the Democratic Party’s nomination:
- Pat Brown, Governor of California
- Wayne Morse, Senator from Oregon
- Hubert Humphrey, Senator from Minnesota
- Adlai Stevenson II, Former Governor of Illinois (who had lost to Eisenhower in previous elections)
- Lyndon Baines Johnson, Senate Minority Leader from Texas
- Stuart Symington, Senator from Missouri
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Senator from Massachusetts
JFK, backed by his family’s wealth and his own charm, emerged as a formidable candidate. Lyndon Johnson, his rival, made Kennedy’s health a significant issue due to his struggle with Addison’s Disease. However, JFK and his team managed to dispel these concerns, presenting him as healthy and fit for office.
Kennedy eventually chose Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate, a strategic decision that was expected to sway many southern states, including Texas, toward the Democrats. However, Kennedy faced a significant issue with his Catholic faith, reminiscent of the difficulties former Democratic nominee Al Smith faced in 1928.
The Catholic Issue
In 1960, a candidate’s religion could be a major hurdle. Kennedy’s Catholicism led to a resurgence of anti-Catholic sentiment. To address these concerns, Kennedy gave a pivotal speech in Houston, Texas, before Protestant ministers. He asserted that his religion would not influence his presidential decisions and emphasized the importance of separating church and state.
Kennedy’s speech sought to reassure voters that his faith would not dictate his policies, aiming to quell the fears of many Protestant voters. His address received a positive response, helping to mitigate concerns about his Catholicism.
The Campaigns & Election Ads
With the economy under Eisenhower in good shape, the 1960 campaigns focused heavily on foreign policy, with domestic issues also addressed. Kennedy’s ads featured him engaging with ordinary citizens and celebrities, promising to invigorate America and tackle the Soviet Union, especially in the Space Race. He also highlighted his youth as an asset.
Nixon’s campaign focused on continuing the prosperity and security established under Eisenhower. Nixon’s ads highlighted his experience and commitment to equal rights and addressed domestic and foreign policy issues.
Nixon’s Many Blunders
Despite Nixon’s advantages, including his role as vice president and his extensive experience, he undermined his position with several missteps. His decision to campaign in every state was criticized as inefficient, exhausting him and allowing Kennedy to focus on pivotal swing states. Nixon’s knee injury further hampered his efforts, and his appearance during the first televised presidential debate was notably poor compared to Kennedy’s poised demeanor.
The Debates
The 1960 election is renowned for its groundbreaking presidential debates. The first debate, watched by millions, saw JFK appearing confident and calm, while Nixon, in pain and looking unwell, struggled. This disparity contributed to perceptions of Kennedy’s victory in the debates, despite some viewers on the radio believing Nixon had won.
Kennedy was perceived as the winner of the first debate, while Nixon’s performance in the subsequent debates was seen as improved. The final debate was considered a tie, though fewer viewers watched it compared to the first.
The October Surprise
In October 1960, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested, sparking fears for his safety. Both campaigns saw this as an opportunity. Nixon’s efforts to secure King’s release were unsuccessful, while JFK’s call to Coretta King and eventual intervention by Robert Kennedy led to King’s release on October 28. This move provided Kennedy with crucial support from the African American community.
The Results
On November 8, 1960, the election results were announced, and John F. Kennedy won, becoming the 35th President of the United States in one of the closest elections since 1916. Kennedy received 303 electoral votes to Nixon’s 219, and the popular vote was extremely close, with JFK securing 49.7% to Nixon’s 49.6%, a margin of just 112,827 votes.
The electoral map showed some Southern states voting for segregationist Harry Byrd, but this did not alter the overall outcome. Allegations of voter fraud were made by the Republicans, but Nixon ultimately conceded gracefully.
Conclusion
With the election of 1960 concluded, JFK began his presidency during a pivotal time in American history. Nixon, despite his defeat and subsequent failed gubernatorial bid, was not done with politics. The 1960 election marked the beginning of a new era and set the stage for future political battles.