Countdown 1960

Book excerpt: A riveting new work and a fresh take on 1960 and the dramatic 11 months leading up to a deeply relevant election for the ages It’s January 2nd, 1960: the day that Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy declared his candidacy, and with this opening scene, Chris Wallace offers readers a front row seat to history. From the challenge of primary battles in a nation that had never elected a Catholic president, to the intense machinations of the national conventions – where JFK chose Lyndon Johnson as his running mate over the impassioned objections of his brother Bobby – this is a nonfiction political thriller filled with intrigue, cinematic action, and fresh reporting. Like many popular histories, readers will be familiar with the story, but few will know the behind-the-scenes details, told here with gripping effect. Featuring some of history’s most remarkable characters, page-turning action, and vivid details, Countdown 1960 follows a group of extraordinary politicians, civil rights leaders, Hollywood stars, labor bosses, and mobsters during a pivotal year in American history. The election of 1960 ushered in the modern era of presidential politics, with televised debates, private jets, and slick advertising. In fact, television played a massive role. It allowed voters to see the candidates’ appearances. More than 75 million Americans watched one or all four debates. The public turned to television to watch campaign rallies. And on the night of the election, the contest between Kennedy and Nixon was so close that Americans were glued to their televisions long after dawn to see who won. 1960 was a deeply contentious, perilous time for America. It also was a moment our nation survived due to courage, leadership, and patriotism.