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 1 st 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.”