Summary of JFK's 1960 Election and Early Presidency

The Election of 1960

• John F. Kennedy (JFK), a Massachusetts Democrat, became a significant presidential candidate with obstacles to overcome.
• At 43, JFK was the youngest nominee and the first Roman Catholic, an unusual aspect affecting public perception.
• The election highlighted the influence of television on politics, especially during televised debates.

A Narrow Kennedy Victory

• Kennedy won the election with a narrow electoral vote of 303 to 219, amid approximately 69 million votes cast.
• Entered office without a clear mandate, indicating potential difficulties in enacting policies.

Kennedy's Domestic Programs

• JFK emphasized a vigorous space program and aimed to address economic issues, particularly the recession and growth.
• Faced resistance in implementing economic reforms, including a significant price increase by U.S. Steel.
• Kennedy's measures aimed to reverse the economic downturn, which was experiencing the steepest decline since the Great Crash of 1929.