Election
of 1960
"Never
before has man had such capacity to control his own destiny, to end thirst
and hunger, to
banish illiteracy and massive human misery. We have the power to
make this the best generation
of mankind in the history of the world-- or make it the last." --
Address to the United Nations General Assembly, September 20, 1963, Public
Papers of the Presidents: 1963, p. 696
Jennifer Drewes --- My grandparents remembered the television debate of John
F. Kennedy's election in 1961. They knew he was the first Roman Catholic
and youngest president to be elected. They also remembered his role with
civil rights. My grandmother said that JFK was acknowledged as front-runner,
and she said he never lost his leading position. He won all the primary
contests. My grandma thought that his personality and publicity won him
the election.
Michael Smith -- My family remembers the Election of 1960. They remember
how tv debates helped the election. They think JFK won hands down
because he was better looking and more intelligent.
Leslie Smarr -- My father has an old record of an interview with JFK. He remembers
something on the record where JFK is asked if he ever thought a Jew would
become president? His answer was something like, eventually sure, but I
couldn't vote for him because I'm Catholic.
Kristen Eaton -- My dad's family is Methodist and my mom's family is Catholic.
They both remember everyone having a fit because JFK was Catholic and because
he was so young. My mom's family was excited because he was the first Catholic
President but couldn't understand why the religion of our president mattered
as long as he could run the country. My dad's family thought it was ridiculous
that so many people turned against him because of his religion.
Jeff Manning -- As a junior high student in 1960, Rich Manning remembers
the Nixon-Kennedy was elected.
Amie Prewitt -- My father remembers a lot about the Kennedy-Nixon election
and especially the television debate. My father feels that Kennedy won
the debate because of the way he appeared on television, not for his political
viewpoints. My father was inspired by Kennedy, but he didn't like him.
"I was a Nixon boy," my father stated. As the house went to bed the night
before the election was over the new anchor announced Nixon as the winner,
but when they woke up the next morning Kennedy had won.
Amy Guenther -- My parent's memories of the debates were from what
they have seen on TV. They do remember their families voting for John F.
Kennedy to become President. JFK's Catholicism was and still is repeated
all over the TV. My mother and father were in school when the news came
of JFK's being assassinated. Everyone was devastated and tears were shed
by a lot of people. Hearing of his private life made so many others wonder
about him, but so many other Presidents lives were also something to think
about. After people saw that point of view they still were angry at what
he did, but that was because he was such a wonderful President.
Maryann Huhn -- My grandfather Joe Huhn remembers debates on TV. He loved JFK and
watched all of the debates. The Huhn's were strong Catholics and supported
Kennedy being the first Catholic President. My grandmother did not have
a political preference, but she did like JFK.
Kevin Morath -- My
mother and father's family really liked John F. Kennedy. One of
the main reasons why he was looked upon so highly by my family is because
he was a Catholic man. My mom remembers one of her sisters going
downtown to Fountain Square for a rally for JFK when he came to Cincinnati
to campaign. Today JFK is still held in high regard in my family
regardless of the rumors and revelations that have surfaced about him over
the years.
Melissa Riehle -- Martin
and Albertine Riehle and their children watched the debate on their small
black and white Merck television. They were biased to Kennedy and
thought he won. Albertine thought he was handsome plus the Riehle's
were democrats and Catholics. They loved Kennedy because he was charming,
funny, a great speaker and, he supported civil rights.
