JFK and “”New Politics”

Why not Ike?

Ike would have likely been nominated by Republicans a 3rd time, but the 22nd Amendment didn’t allow for it

1960 Rep. candidate: Nixon Campaigned for an updated version of

Ike’s strategies Ike’s popularity by 1960 was only average,

so there was no guarantee that the policies would continue to work

JFK

1960 Democratic candidateCampaigned over “new politics”,

emphasizing new charisma, style, and personality over political issues and platforms

Power of television

Utilized TV for the first timeAlso used polling data for public opinionFour televised debates between JFK

and Nixon showed how significant an impact TV had on society

It showed physical differences between the two, which gave JFK a huge advantage as far as his personal image

Debates

Those who watched their debate on TV said JFK won, those who listened on radio said Nixon won

JFK won popular vote 49.7% to 49.5%Electoral vote was 303-219 JFK appealed to Catholics and black

voters, along with middle classHis VP, LBJ, won over the southern

vote, including TX

Foreign Affairs

JFK felt this was the biggest priorityWas strongly against communismThe defense budget again increased

under him, but not only due to nuclear weapons

Needed to be prepared for any attack, large or small, which meant building up all areas of military

Counterinsurgency

Green Berets (Special Forces) were repelling random, small-scale attacks such as those in guerilla warfare Est. in 1952 Trained to fight unconventional warfare

Peace Corps

JFK big on public service, est. Peace Corps

Thousands of youths devoted at least two years to programs that helped African villagers obtain adequate supplies of water

It was also a Cold War weapon to try to sway countries to American influence away from Communists

Aid

JFK also pushed for economic aid to developing countries

Funds and supplies for food, education, medicine, and other services

Cuba

JFK tried to overthrow the new Communist regime in Cuba

By 1961, the US had declared an embargo on all exports to Cuba

Cut back on imports of sugarBroken off diplomatic relations with

Castro

As a result...

Castro turned towards the Soviets for economic and military support

Bay of Pigs: JFK tried to send 1,400 anti-Castro Nicaraguans to overthrow Castro

Failed miserably

Germany

Soviets had a large military presence to isolate the area of Berlin controlled by West Germany

JFK sent 40,000 troops to GermanySoon thereafter, Soviets began

constructing the Berlin Wall, which kept people from fleeing from East to West Germany

Became the symbol for Cold War until 1989

1962: Climax of Cold War

JFK continued efforts to overthrow Castro

Soviets built up nuclear arsenal in CubaDestructive weaponry was within range

of the US in the form of missile basesFear of nuclear war was prevalent

Soviet ships

Soviet ships turned back with missiles at the last minute

Concessions were made: JFK said he would not invade Cuba Khrushchev said he would dismantle

missile bases

1963

US, Soviets, Britain agreed to ban the testing of nuclear weapons in atmosphere, space, and under water

Underground testing did continueDespite all the efforts to stop Cold War

fears, it continued on for 25 more yearsMost foreign policy by the US was tied

to Soviets

Domestic Policy

JFK not as strong in this area: his efforts were with foreign policy

He did increase funding for NASAFirst to allow for deficit spending

Done to stimulate economic growth Reduced income taxes Congress did not pass the plan, but under

LBJ, it did pass a few years later

Other

Raised minimum wageExpanded Social SecurityNot a whole lot else was accomplished

**We will discuss his Vietnam policy when we talk about Vietnam!

**We will discuss any Civil Rights policy when we talk about Civil Rights! LBJ is main name for that...