Kennedy for President - Measures 6 Inches x 6 Inches - circa 1960 Authentic Campaign Decal for Kennedy for President

Campaign decals for John F. Kennedy for President. Measures 6" by 6". 

The 1960 election campaign was dominated by escalating Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1957, the Soviets launched Sputnik, the first man-made satellite, prompting American leaders to express concerns about falling behind in scientific and technological advancements. Three years later, an American U-2 spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory, leading to the cancellation of President Eisenhower’s planned trip to Moscow and the collapse of a summit meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

In Cuba, Fidel Castro’s revolutionary regime formed a close alliance with the Soviet Union, intensifying fears of communist subversion in the Western Hemisphere. Public opinion polls revealed that over half of Americans believed war with the Soviet Union was inevitable.

Despite his youth, limited foreign affairs experience, and Catholic faith, John Fitzgerald Kennedy secured the Democratic nomination. He achieved a decisive victory in the Democratic primary in West Virginia, paving the way for a first ballot victory at the national convention in Los Angeles. However, he did not reach the 761 votes required for the nomination until the final state in the roll call, Wyoming.

After selecting Texas Senator Lyndon Johnson as his running mate, Kennedy vowed to revitalize the nation and resist communism globally.

The Republican nominee, Vice President Richard Nixon, was four years older than Kennedy. He emphasized the peace and prosperity of the Eisenhower administration and assured voters of maintaining American prestige, leadership, and military strength. Nixon chose Henry Cabot Lodge, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as his running mate. Many voters perceived Nixon as more mature and experienced, leading him to gain an advantage in the polls after the national conventions.

Both candidates sought support from the expanding suburban population, and television emerged as the primary source of information for voters.

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