JFK's 1960 Election and New Frontier Legacy

The Election of 1960

JFK was an expert at public speaking; he projected the image of the most self-confident leader. Television was one of his most effective weapons, and through it, the Kennedy/Camelot myth was born.

A New Era Inaugurated

In his address, we observe not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change.

"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. And so, my fellow Americans:

Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

The speech (like any American inaugural speech, taking us back to Jefferson) was broadcasted to America and the rest of the world. The key is the part about the new generation of Americans: new generation, new ways, new challenges, etc. The torch refers to the Torch of Liberty. It is reminiscent of the concept of a City Upon a Hill.

The second bolded part is a criticism of communism and also a reference to the New Deal. It represents a new perspective and attitude, meaning his program was not a re-edition of the New Deal. It was a liberal view suggesting that the country won’t change your life; you must work hard to change your country.

International Affairs:

• Alliance for Progress (Latin America)
• Bay of Pigs Invasion
• The Berlin Crisis: "Ich bin ein Berliner"
• Cuban Missile Crisis
• Peace Corps (Anti-Communist Aid Program)
• Space Race: The Apollo program (he set the bases for it)

Domestic Agenda:

• War on organized crime
• Mildly engaged with Civil Rights
• Social issues: housing, women's rights, etc.
• Uneasy relationship with both labor and big business