JFK and the Election of 1960

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, also known as JFK, or Jack was the second oldest of the Kennedy sons. His father Joe had his Presidential hopes come to an end when his pro-Nazi sentiments were leaked to the Nazis. His plan to have his oldest son, Joe Jr elected to the Presidency ended when the younger Joe had his plane shot down by the Germans and died.

What now? JFK was also serving in the US Armed Forces. He was serving in the Pacific, and became a national hero after the sinking of his boat, PT-109, and his subsequent rescue. He received a Purple Heart while in the service of his country, but refused the Bronze Star Medal. When asked how he became a famous war hero, Jack often answered, “I let the Japanese cut my boat in half!”

But, as is often the case, there is more to this story. He had applied for enlistment in the Naval Academy in 1940, but was rejected due to back troubles. He lobbied his dad, who had great political power in the FDR administration, to get him in. After repeated pressure by Joe, young Jack was finally admitted. 

Joe Sr. hoped to use his son’s war service for political gain. He first became a US Representative, and later a junior Senator, but Joe wanted more. He wanted his son in the Oval Office, and was willing to do whatever it would take to get him there. 

Getting JFK in the White House was a major project, as the Republican nominee in 1960 was Richard M. Nixon. Nixon was Eisenhower’s Vice President, and was the favorite in the race. JFK also had a few things going against him. He was only 42, and his experience was questionable. He also was Catholic in a time when Catholics were looked upon with great scorn. JFK’s boyish good looks won over many, and he ultimately won a highly contested and very close race against Nixon. His age made him the youngest President elected to the office. 

His younger brother Bobby was his campaign manager, and he ran a marvelous campaign JFK and Bobby seemingly disagreed on only one thing. Bobby was highly against having Lyndon B. Johnson as JFK’s running mate. He saw Johnson as being anti-labor union, and knew that Jack would need the support of the unions to win the election. 

Joe Sr didn’t care. He had connections in the labor unions, he had great wealth, he had numerous contacts in organized crime syndicates, and he was willing to do whatever it would take for JFK to win the election. 

More to come...