 What has the biggest impact on your political views today?  Where do you get your news from?  Does the media have a large impact on your political views?

 First election where Television plays an important role  Over 13 million dollars spent on tv and radio ads  Vice President Richard Nixon v. John F. Kennedy  Candidates have similar views on economy and foreign affairs

 John F. Kennedy ◦ Catholic ◦ Youngest president to date ◦ “Missile Gap”

 Richard M. Nixon ◦ Vice President under Eisenhower ◦ Foreign affairs experience ◦ Believes Democrats will boost inflation

 Do you believe that T.V. has resulted in “packaged product” political candidates as Eric Sevareid believes?  Why do you think that Kennedy is the only Catholic president ever elected?

 Deficit Spending ◦ Space Race ◦ Defense  Tax Cuts

 “Flexible Response” ◦ Increase in traditional forces  Economic Aid to Latin America  Special Forces  Peace Corps  Space Race  Increases US Activity in Vietnam

 What types of containment is Kennedy using and where is he using them?  Why is it important to win the Space Race?

 Revolution in Cuba establishes Fidel Castro as leader  Kennedy approves plan for trained Cuban Exiles to invade Cuba and start an uprising  How would the domino theory motivate Kennedy to take action in Cuba?

 Cuban rebels land in April 17, 1961 in the Bay of Pigs  Boats hit coral reefs  Strong resistance from Castro’s forces  Lack of American Air Support  Miscommunication results in friendly fire on American planes  Plot to overthrow government exposed  Cuban Exiles are negotiated for aid

 Define the Cuban Missile Crisis  What containment Strategies are used?  What does Kennedy acknowledge about Khrushchev’s demands?  How might this have led WWIII?  How was WWIII avoided?