In short
On November 8, 1960, American voters elected Democrat John F. Kennedy president, narrowly defeating Republican Vice President Richard Nixon in one of the closest elections in U.S. history. Kennedy's victory marked a generational shift in American politics and raised questions about electoral integrity that would reverberate for decades.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 8, 1960. The Democratic ticket of Senator John F. Kennedy and his running mate, Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson, narrowly defeated the Republican ticket of incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon and his running mate, U.N. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. This was the first election in which 50 states participated, marking the first participation of Alaska and Hawaii, and the last in which the District of Columbia did not. It was also the first election in which an incumbent president—in this case, Dwight D. Eisenhower—was ineligible to run for a third term because of the term limits established by the 22nd Amendment.
As it was happening
13 voices, 384 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
Kennedy Announces Candidacy
Senator John F. Kennedy declares his intention to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, positioning himself as a moderate Cold War liberal.
Voices from this moment (1)
Kennedy Announces Candidacy
Jan 2
“Senator John F.”
As it was happening
13 voices, 384 days.
Day 0 · January 2, 1960
Kennedy Announces Candidacy
Senator John F. Kennedy declares his intention to seek the Democratic presidential nomination, positioning himself as a moderate Cold War liberal.
“Senator John F.”
- Kennedy Announces Candidacy, Jan 2
Day 193 · July 13, 1960
Democratic Convention
Kennedy secures the Democratic nomination on the first ballot at the Los Angeles Convention. He selects Lyndon B. Johnson as running mate to balance the ticket geographically and ideologically.
“Kennedy secures the Democratic nomination on the first…”
- Democratic Convention, Jul 13
Day 208 · July 28, 1960
Republican Convention
Richard Nixon accepts the Republican nomination in Chicago. Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., U.N. Ambassador, becomes his running mate.
“Richard Nixon accepts the Republican nomination in Chicago.”
- Republican Convention, Jul 28
Day 268 · September 26, 1960
First Kennedy-Nixon Debate
The first televised presidential debate airs live from Chicago. Kennedy appears composed and tanned; Nixon appears pale and uneasy. Viewers who watched on television favored Kennedy; radio listeners favored Nixon.
“The first televised presidential debate airs live from…”
- First Kennedy-Nixon Debate, Sep 26
Day 293 · October 21, 1960
Fourth Kennedy-Nixon Debate
The final televised debate takes place. Kennedy and Nixon debate foreign policy, with Kennedy attacking the Eisenhower-Nixon administration's record on Cuba and the Soviet Union.
“The final televised debate takes place.”
- Fourth Kennedy-Nixon Debate, Oct 21
Day 311 · November 8, 1960
Election Day
Kennedy defeats Nixon in one of the closest elections in American history. Kennedy wins 303 electoral votes to Nixon's 219, with a popular vote margin of just 118,574 votes.
“Kennedy defeats Nixon in one of the closest elections in…”
- Election Day, Nov 8
Day 312 · November 9, 1960
Transition Begins
Kennedy begins the presidential transition. He meets with President Eisenhower and is briefed on classified national security matters, including the CIA's Bay of Pigs plan.
“Kennedy's triumph is razor-thin - fewer than 120,000 votes…”
- CBS Evening News broadcast, November 9, 1960, Nov 9
“Senator Kennedy has made pledges to the Negro community.”
- Statement to press, November 1960, Nov 15
“I want Senator Kennedy to know - and I want all of you to…”
- Public statement, November 9, 1960, Nov 9
“Kennedy won, but he did not win big.”
- The New York Times column, November 11, 1960, Nov 11
“The election of Senator Kennedy is welcome news.”
- Official statement from 10 Downing Street, November 9, 1960, Nov 9
“Kennedy begins the presidential transition.”
- Transition Begins, Nov 9
Day 384 · January 20, 1961
Kennedy Inauguration
John F. Kennedy is sworn in as the 35th President of the United States. Chief Justice Earl Warren administers the oath. Kennedy delivers his famous 'Ask not what your country can do for you' address.
“John F.”
- Kennedy Inauguration, Jan 20
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Sources & citations.
Sources
Where this came from.
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Wikipedia
1 source- 1.1960 U.S. Presidential election
en.wikipedia.org