JFK and “New Politics”

Why not Ike? Ike would have likely been nominated by Republicans a 3rd time, but the 22nd Amendment didn’t allow for it 1960 Rep. candidate: Nixon Campaigned for an updated version of Ike’s strategies Ike’s popularity by 1960 was only average, so there was no guarantee that the policies would continue to work

JFK 1960 Democratic candidate Campaigned over “new politics”, emphasizing new charisma, style, and personality over political issues and platforms

Power of television Utilized TV for the first time Also used polling data for public opinion Four televised debates between JFK and Nixon showed how significant an impact TV had on society It showed physical differences between the two, which gave JFK a huge advantage as far as his personal image

Debates Those who watched their debate on TV said JFK won, those who listened on radio said Nixon won JFK won popular vote 49.7% to 49.5% Electoral vote was JFK appealed to Catholics and black voters, along with middle class His VP, LBJ, won over the southern vote, including TX

Foreign Affairs JFK felt this was the biggest priority Was strongly against communism The defense budget again increased under him, but not only due to nuclear weapons Needed to be prepared for any attack, large or small, which meant building up all areas of military

Counterinsurgency Green Berets were repelling random, small-scale attacks such as those in guerilla warfare

Peace Corps JFK big on public service, est. Peace Corps Thousands of youths devoted at least two years to programs that helped African villagers obtain adequate supplies of water It was also a Cold War weapon to try to sway countries to American influence away from Communists

Aid JFK also pushed for economic aid to developing countries Funds and supplies for food, education, medicine, and other services

Cuba JFK tried to overthrow the new Communist regime in Cuba By 1961, the US had declared an embargo on all exports to Cuba Cut back on imports of sugar Broken off diplomatic relations with Castro

As a result... Castro turned towards the Soviets for economic and military support Bay of Pigs: JFK tried to send 1,400 anti-Castro Nicaraguans to overthrow Castro Failed miserably

Germany Soviets had a large military presence to isolate the area of Berlin controlled by West Germany JFK sent 40,000 troops to Germany Soon thereafter, Soviets began constructing the Berlin Wall, which kept people from fleeing from East to West Germany Became the symbol for Cold War until 1989

1962: Climax of Cold War JFK continued efforts to overthrow Castro Soviets built up nuclear arsenal in Cuba Destructive weaponry was within range of the US in the form of missile bases Fear of nuclear war was prevalent

Soviet ships Soviet ships turned back with missiles at the last minute Concessions were made: JFK said he would not invade Cuba Khrushchev said he would dismantle missile bases

1963 US, Soviets, Britain agreed to ban the testing of nuclear weapons in atmosphere, space, and under water Underground testing did continue Despite all the efforts to stop Cold War fears, it continued on for 25 more years Most foreign policy by the US was tied to Soviets

Domestic Policy JFK not as strong in this area: his efforts were with foreign policy He did increase funding for NASA First to allow for deficit spending Done to stimulate economic growth Reduced income taxes Congress did not pass the plan, but under LBJ, it did pass a few years later

Other Raised minimum wage Expanded Social Security Not a whole lot else was accomplished **We will discuss his Vietnam policy when we talk about Vietnam! **We will discuss any Civil Rights policy when we talk about Civil Rights! LBJ is main name for that...