Read pages 670-672 Answer the following questions: Who ran in the 1960 election? Why were Americans hesitant to elect Kennedy? Why were African Americans voting for Kennedy? What was the Kennedy Mystique?

The New Frontier

Questions to Ponder… What led to the rise of the television in the 1950s? How many people (%) had them in their homes by 1960? How do you think the TV revolutionized Presidential Campaigns?

Candidates John F. Kennedy Jr. Richard M. Nixon From a wealthy and influential family in Massachusetts A Catholic Appeared out going and relaxed to the public Richard M. Nixon From a struggling family in California A Quaker Appeared formal and almost stiff to the public

Main Issues of the 1960 Election Campaign centered around the economy and the Cold War Promised: Boost the economy “Cold Warriors” Kennedy: Argued that Cuba’s dictator, Castro was allying himself with the Soviets Believed that there was a “missile-gap” Nixon: Argued that the U.S. was on the right track Argued that Democratic’ fiscal policies would boost inflation, and that he only had foreign policy experience Kennedy came under scrutiny about being Catholic… Many protestants believed that having a Catholic Pres. would be bad because they would ultimately be under the rule of the Pope. He actually addressed this issue by stating that he believes in an absolute separation of church and state.

The Election of 1960: Televised Debate TV ads for campaigns originated in 1948 Idea of campaigning through television took off in the 1960’s election Democrats (Kennedy) spent $6 million in TV and radio spots Republicans spent $7.5 million 1960 election: a large number of voters used the TV as a voting tool

The Debate 4 televised debates that strongly influenced the outcome Kennedy won the popular vote & the Electoral College 303 votes to 219 Won by a narrow victory Many were captivated by his youth and optimism

1960’s Debate..

The Kennedy Mystique: Inaugural Address Captured the imagination of the American public Drawn to his youth and optimism January 20th, 1961 Calls on Americans to take an active role in making the U.S. a better place

Jackie O.

Inaugural Address Write a 1 paragraph summary of his inaugural address and briefly explain why you think he was appealing to the public.