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Countdown 1960: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the 312 Days that Changed America's Politics Forever
A riveting new work and fresh take on the lead-up to the presidential election of 1960, drawing timely parallels to the choice Americans face in 2024
It’s January 2, 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 B. 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 with 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 planes, and slick advertising. In fact, television played a massive role. It allowed voters to see the candidates’ appearances. More than 70 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.
The year 1960 was a deeply contentious, perilous time for America. It also was a moment our nation survived due to courage, leadership, and patriotism.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains selected photos from the book.
It’s January 2, 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 B. 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 with 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 planes, and slick advertising. In fact, television played a massive role. It allowed voters to see the candidates’ appearances. More than 70 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.
The year 1960 was a deeply contentious, perilous time for America. It also was a moment our nation survived due to courage, leadership, and patriotism.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains selected photos from the book.
Audible Audio
Published October 8, 2024
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About the author
Chris Wallace
38 books116 followersChristopher W. Wallace is an American television anchor and journalist who is the news anchor of the Fox News program Fox News Sunday. He worked for NBC as a White House correspondent and anchor for NBC Nightly News and host of Meet the Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
March 14, 2025
Veteran reporter and news host, Chris Wallace, offers up an intriguing look into the US presidential election of 1960. While many readers are familiar with some of the key facts regarding the Kennedy v. Nixon election, Wallace seeks to pull back the curtain and go a little deeper. His insights and timelines help fill in many of the gaps and provide the reader with new angles to how things took place during the election year. There is a subplot to this book, as the author expounds on it in the epilogue, dealing with the controversial nature of the election and comparing it with 2020. With well-paced chapters and intriguing facts, Wallace delivers a book well worth the reader's time and efforts. I am curious to see how Wallace handled other events in different books he's written in a similar style.
The year was 1960 and the US presidency was up for grabs. While many know at least a little about the candidates, there is so much more to the story. Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy wanted the nomination of his party and was willing to do whatever he needed to capture it. As Wallace posits, the Kennedy name, while known around Washington, would not be enough to secure the nomination. He would need help from his powerful father, which included pulling some strings in various dark and seedy backrooms. Kennedy was long known to be a playboy, but also had serious ideas that he hoped to bring with him to the Oval Office. He was gritty and, while crippled with an illness the public knew little about him, ready to take on the task of campaigning like no other. A few more senior Democrats sought to be hurdles in his way, but none could stop the eventual freight train that was JFK, ensuring that he won the Democratic nomination for the November election.
On the other side was Richard Nixon, the sitting vice-president, and stalwart of the Republicans. As some wondered how effective he would be, Nixon had spent a great deal of time earning his stripes, both in the House of Representatives and as Dwight D. Eisenhower's second in command. Nixon was more awkward and appeared to be out of sorts, but his passion for the job and knowledge of key events in the world helped him secure the nomination with ease. With one potential hurdle, Nixon used his style to quell that worry and marched into the Republican Convention acclaimed as the party's nominee. Now it was time for the hard part.
As Wallace elucidates so well, both men had an uphill battle to win the presidency and would pull out all the stops. The final push to Election Day was filled with events to stir the voters to their side, tossing policy ideas and trying to win people over with the right buzzwords. However, nothing could top the four debates the candidates had on live television, offering America (and the world) the chance to see these two men banter and sell their ideas to millions tuning in from all corners of the country. As Wallace explains it, this was the make or break moment of the election, though there were many others peppered into the final few months before the big day. When all was said and done, JFK eked out the smallest of victories, but the validity of the vote, always a matter of controversy, was anything but clear. This theme was explored in the latter chapters and compared in the epilogue to the circus that was 2020. However, 1960 ended with a graceful loser, not an outright Loser-in-Chief! Wallace delivers a stellar recounting of events for the reader to devour.
While I will be the first to admit, the idea of reading anything political with Chris Wallace's name on it makes me a little uneasy. His past work for Fox and apparent pro-Trump views left me quite ill-at-ease during the 45th president's time in office. However, I saw a new and less critical man emerge after he moderated one of the 2020 presidential debates. This book shows some of that softer edge Wallace I was surprised to find, though the reader cannot go into it blindly. The narrative flows well and Wallace is able to pile on some great chronological advancements, as things slink towards Election Day. The detail was great and provided wonderful context, though there were tangential moments that went on for a little too long, retelling excessive backstories and not focused on the 1960 campaign. It is also apparent in the narrative that Wallace was hellbent on making sure JFK got the majority of the mud slung in his direction, from titillating asides to accusations of using top secret intel in ways that painted Nixon in a corner. While I am sure some or most of it is based in reality, the balance was not apparent. Wallace kept things easily digestible and provided a strong sense of intrigue, even as the final result was well-known to the attentive reader. I am eager to find and read some of the other books in this vein that Wallace has penned in the past.
Kudos, Mr. Wallace, for a stunning recounting of events.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The year was 1960 and the US presidency was up for grabs. While many know at least a little about the candidates, there is so much more to the story. Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy wanted the nomination of his party and was willing to do whatever he needed to capture it. As Wallace posits, the Kennedy name, while known around Washington, would not be enough to secure the nomination. He would need help from his powerful father, which included pulling some strings in various dark and seedy backrooms. Kennedy was long known to be a playboy, but also had serious ideas that he hoped to bring with him to the Oval Office. He was gritty and, while crippled with an illness the public knew little about him, ready to take on the task of campaigning like no other. A few more senior Democrats sought to be hurdles in his way, but none could stop the eventual freight train that was JFK, ensuring that he won the Democratic nomination for the November election.
On the other side was Richard Nixon, the sitting vice-president, and stalwart of the Republicans. As some wondered how effective he would be, Nixon had spent a great deal of time earning his stripes, both in the House of Representatives and as Dwight D. Eisenhower's second in command. Nixon was more awkward and appeared to be out of sorts, but his passion for the job and knowledge of key events in the world helped him secure the nomination with ease. With one potential hurdle, Nixon used his style to quell that worry and marched into the Republican Convention acclaimed as the party's nominee. Now it was time for the hard part.
As Wallace elucidates so well, both men had an uphill battle to win the presidency and would pull out all the stops. The final push to Election Day was filled with events to stir the voters to their side, tossing policy ideas and trying to win people over with the right buzzwords. However, nothing could top the four debates the candidates had on live television, offering America (and the world) the chance to see these two men banter and sell their ideas to millions tuning in from all corners of the country. As Wallace explains it, this was the make or break moment of the election, though there were many others peppered into the final few months before the big day. When all was said and done, JFK eked out the smallest of victories, but the validity of the vote, always a matter of controversy, was anything but clear. This theme was explored in the latter chapters and compared in the epilogue to the circus that was 2020. However, 1960 ended with a graceful loser, not an outright Loser-in-Chief! Wallace delivers a stellar recounting of events for the reader to devour.
While I will be the first to admit, the idea of reading anything political with Chris Wallace's name on it makes me a little uneasy. His past work for Fox and apparent pro-Trump views left me quite ill-at-ease during the 45th president's time in office. However, I saw a new and less critical man emerge after he moderated one of the 2020 presidential debates. This book shows some of that softer edge Wallace I was surprised to find, though the reader cannot go into it blindly. The narrative flows well and Wallace is able to pile on some great chronological advancements, as things slink towards Election Day. The detail was great and provided wonderful context, though there were tangential moments that went on for a little too long, retelling excessive backstories and not focused on the 1960 campaign. It is also apparent in the narrative that Wallace was hellbent on making sure JFK got the majority of the mud slung in his direction, from titillating asides to accusations of using top secret intel in ways that painted Nixon in a corner. While I am sure some or most of it is based in reality, the balance was not apparent. Wallace kept things easily digestible and provided a strong sense of intrigue, even as the final result was well-known to the attentive reader. I am eager to find and read some of the other books in this vein that Wallace has penned in the past.
Kudos, Mr. Wallace, for a stunning recounting of events.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 2, 2024
This review is for the Audible edition of Countdown 1960. I've read several of the books in the Countdown series by Chris Wallace; all of them have been enjoyable to read and opened up new insights for me and I'm sure other readers.
The setting here is on the 1960 race for President; Kennedy versus Nixon, in a race among the closest in history. Wallace goes behind the scene for both campaigns, starting before the primaries and taking into account other world/US events and leaders that play a role in the history of the era.
There is a lot of familiar territory here if you have read anything about JFK or RMN. Wallace does a good job presenting both candidates strengths and flaws, but spends more time on Kennedy and his family, especially father Joe who in Wallace's version paid for the Presidency. JFK's constant philandering is mentioned several times with different women he encountered.
Nixon is the loyal, 8-year VP for Eisenhower who is not really supported much by Ike until the election is just a month away. Nixon also has trouble with some of the Republican leaders, some of who would have preferred Nelson Rockefeller or another candidate besides "Tricky Dick" Nixon.
In the end Nixon is defeated, although several state state electoral ballots were being legally challenged (much like 2020) at the time Nixon graciously conceded.
Countdown 1960 is a very readable look back at the 1960 election that had many firsts, such as the first candidates born in the 20th century; and perhaps more importantly for Kennedy the first to feature a series of televised Presidential debates that helped showcase Kennedy's looks over Nixon's haggard face in the first debate.
The setting here is on the 1960 race for President; Kennedy versus Nixon, in a race among the closest in history. Wallace goes behind the scene for both campaigns, starting before the primaries and taking into account other world/US events and leaders that play a role in the history of the era.
There is a lot of familiar territory here if you have read anything about JFK or RMN. Wallace does a good job presenting both candidates strengths and flaws, but spends more time on Kennedy and his family, especially father Joe who in Wallace's version paid for the Presidency. JFK's constant philandering is mentioned several times with different women he encountered.
Nixon is the loyal, 8-year VP for Eisenhower who is not really supported much by Ike until the election is just a month away. Nixon also has trouble with some of the Republican leaders, some of who would have preferred Nelson Rockefeller or another candidate besides "Tricky Dick" Nixon.
In the end Nixon is defeated, although several state state electoral ballots were being legally challenged (much like 2020) at the time Nixon graciously conceded.
Countdown 1960 is a very readable look back at the 1960 election that had many firsts, such as the first candidates born in the 20th century; and perhaps more importantly for Kennedy the first to feature a series of televised Presidential debates that helped showcase Kennedy's looks over Nixon's haggard face in the first debate.
July 26, 2025
So I should’ve read the blurbs better. This was not an interesting take on the events of 1960 juxtaposed against the backdrop of the Kennedy-Nixon contest.
This was a high school like recitation of the 1960 campaign with some minimal hand waves to the Greensboro 4 and civili fights with a dash of Cuban American politics.
Read Sorenson’s book on this election if you want a real understanding of this campaign…
And finally, Trump really did eat Wallace’s brain.
A book on the 1960 election spends the last ten pages discussing Trump and Jan 6th.
This was a high school like recitation of the 1960 campaign with some minimal hand waves to the Greensboro 4 and civili fights with a dash of Cuban American politics.
Read Sorenson’s book on this election if you want a real understanding of this campaign…
And finally, Trump really did eat Wallace’s brain.
A book on the 1960 election spends the last ten pages discussing Trump and Jan 6th.
October 26, 2024
Drama, intrigue, and possibly a stolen election. But in a kinder, more patriotic era where the common wealth and democracy came first.
December 20, 2024
In many aspects, the 1960 election is the first recognizable modern election in US history. Two names cemented in presidential legend for vastly different reasons: John F. Kennedy & Richard Nixon. It was one of the closest in history with just under 150k votes separating the two candidates. It was also an election where one could make a plausible claim that it was stolen.
Chris Wallace tackles this close election in the latest installment of his countdown series. This one takes you through a chronological re-telling of the election through both major candidates eyes.
The book is quite well-written and engaging, it's easy to follow and the action makes it un-putdownable at times. I finished this book in two days, which given its length of 400 pages is quite impressive.
I was also fairly contempt with the unbiased nature of the book. There are moments where Wallace's Nixon-sympatheic portrayal comes through (he admits in the acknowledgements that he rooted for Nixon in 1960 despite himself being 13). However, it's not overly weighted in Nixon's direction and it sticks to its neutral-tone.
Like mentioned above, the election of 1960 is one where you can make a plausible claim of election fraud leading to Nixon losing. There has never been conclusive evidence that points to this being 100% the case, but the evidence is fairly strong that at least some fraud occurred. Was it enough to tip the scales for a Kennedy win? That's unknown, and Wallace never makes his theory known.
He does contrast how Nixon reacted to allegations of voter fraud in 1960 to Trump's allegations in 2020. This was one of the main drivers for him to write the book, and his analysis is toward the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it for anyone interested in presidential elections, or just a general fan of American history.
Chris Wallace tackles this close election in the latest installment of his countdown series. This one takes you through a chronological re-telling of the election through both major candidates eyes.
The book is quite well-written and engaging, it's easy to follow and the action makes it un-putdownable at times. I finished this book in two days, which given its length of 400 pages is quite impressive.
I was also fairly contempt with the unbiased nature of the book. There are moments where Wallace's Nixon-sympatheic portrayal comes through (he admits in the acknowledgements that he rooted for Nixon in 1960 despite himself being 13). However, it's not overly weighted in Nixon's direction and it sticks to its neutral-tone.
Like mentioned above, the election of 1960 is one where you can make a plausible claim of election fraud leading to Nixon losing. There has never been conclusive evidence that points to this being 100% the case, but the evidence is fairly strong that at least some fraud occurred. Was it enough to tip the scales for a Kennedy win? That's unknown, and Wallace never makes his theory known.
He does contrast how Nixon reacted to allegations of voter fraud in 1960 to Trump's allegations in 2020. This was one of the main drivers for him to write the book, and his analysis is toward the end.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would recommend it for anyone interested in presidential elections, or just a general fan of American history.
March 30, 2025
Interesting book about Kennedy and Nixon’s race. I haven’t read much before that puts Nixon in good light, but compared to Kennedy, he was honest and honorable in the 1960 race. The Kennedy men were horrible. Immoral and disgusting, liars and cheaters.
While there was evidence of mass voter fraud in the 1960 race, there was no evidence of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election. And despite the evidence in 1960, Nixon chose to not pursue legal action because he believed it would divide the nation.
The chapters were short and easily consumable. All based on interviews and first hand accounts.
While there was evidence of mass voter fraud in the 1960 race, there was no evidence of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election. And despite the evidence in 1960, Nixon chose to not pursue legal action because he believed it would divide the nation.
The chapters were short and easily consumable. All based on interviews and first hand accounts.
November 2, 2024
It was so good. Loved it. Until it turned in to a slam on Trump.
January 11, 2025
Three and a half stars.
The start of the modern 'Money Rules' era. Kennedy is presented as wanting the Presidency not out of a sense of obligation or duty, but because his rich father wanted a son in the White House, and that it was the pinnacle of absolute power. And the family did anything it could to keep (arguably) better men from the job. His father (and he, through his own actions) employed the services of well-known crime syndicate members to launder money and offered protection in exchange for the acquisition of less than ethical or legal votes. Was there voter fraud afoot? You bet, but it could be argued that the number of dead souls casting votes was not large enough to have tilted the scales in Kennedy's favor. He was that popular.
Well, actually, his IMAGE is what was popular. Most of the voting public at the time had no idea he spend more time in bed with women than with his own wife. Does that matter? Should it? When it shows a person's character to differ starkly from what is portrayed in the media and pushed into the public eye, perhaps it should be given some accord.
Was Nixon better suited for the job? Maybe. Most people look back in time at Nixon and recall two things - his performance in the first televised debate, and his actions in the 1972 race, specifically during what came to be known as Watergate. Wallace argues that the Nixon, an extremely skilled debater, struggled in the 1960 debates with Kennedy, to include his sweating under the hot television lights, mostly due to an infection and fever he was suffering, and his inability to appear weak by backing down. Wallace also posits that Nixon's actions from January 20, 1961 and onward, were due to the grudge he held based on the belief that the election was stolen from him. But Nixon, per Wallace, recognized that bringing the courts in to settle the matter would be a rancorous expedition down an uncharted path, and could harm the country overall against the backdrop of the rise of Communism, particularly in Cuba. Fast-forward 60 years to see how another candidate handled charges of election fraud. One difference is that there was clear evidence of fraud in the 1960 campaign, but none in 2020.
This was a good read. It presented all sides quite favorably, in spite of the warts-and-all take.
The start of the modern 'Money Rules' era. Kennedy is presented as wanting the Presidency not out of a sense of obligation or duty, but because his rich father wanted a son in the White House, and that it was the pinnacle of absolute power. And the family did anything it could to keep (arguably) better men from the job. His father (and he, through his own actions) employed the services of well-known crime syndicate members to launder money and offered protection in exchange for the acquisition of less than ethical or legal votes. Was there voter fraud afoot? You bet, but it could be argued that the number of dead souls casting votes was not large enough to have tilted the scales in Kennedy's favor. He was that popular.
Well, actually, his IMAGE is what was popular. Most of the voting public at the time had no idea he spend more time in bed with women than with his own wife. Does that matter? Should it? When it shows a person's character to differ starkly from what is portrayed in the media and pushed into the public eye, perhaps it should be given some accord.
Was Nixon better suited for the job? Maybe. Most people look back in time at Nixon and recall two things - his performance in the first televised debate, and his actions in the 1972 race, specifically during what came to be known as Watergate. Wallace argues that the Nixon, an extremely skilled debater, struggled in the 1960 debates with Kennedy, to include his sweating under the hot television lights, mostly due to an infection and fever he was suffering, and his inability to appear weak by backing down. Wallace also posits that Nixon's actions from January 20, 1961 and onward, were due to the grudge he held based on the belief that the election was stolen from him. But Nixon, per Wallace, recognized that bringing the courts in to settle the matter would be a rancorous expedition down an uncharted path, and could harm the country overall against the backdrop of the rise of Communism, particularly in Cuba. Fast-forward 60 years to see how another candidate handled charges of election fraud. One difference is that there was clear evidence of fraud in the 1960 campaign, but none in 2020.
This was a good read. It presented all sides quite favorably, in spite of the warts-and-all take.
December 5, 2024
I just finished reading a very interesting and detailed book on the race for the White House in 1960. I took the reader into each candidate’s mind and how he managed to win at all costs. It brought out a lot of corruption and voter fraud that was alleged by the republicans but was never reported.
January 19, 2025
Very well researched. I actually have a little more respect for Richard Nixon. I still have zero respect for Drumpf.
November 5, 2024
Excellent review of the 1960 race for U.S. President. An election that was contested as it was close in several states. People should take note of Nixon’s Election Certification speech regarding the “… peaceful transition of power after an election - especially from one political party to another.” Pages 376-379.
December 26, 2024
Fascinating day by day look at the 1960 presidential campaign between Kennedy and Nixon. Was an easy, quick, and compelling read.
November 21, 2024
Reading this book reminded me of reading a high schooler’s (sometimes a 6th-grader’s) history paper. The sentences are simple and short, with very basic vocabulary and sentence structure. Anyone who has ever read about this time period or the key individuals covered here (ie: JFK, Nixon, LBJ, RFK) will have heard everything here before. I just couldn’t believe how amateur the writing style and content were. Oh, and so trite! It was a little embarrassing to read an otherwise respected journalist resort to well-worn, completely unoriginal and dumbed-down phrases and images as often as he did. There is nothing new here, and the reading level is juvenile. I would only recommend this to high school students for whom the election of 1960 and its participants is all new material. This should be marketed as a young readers nonfiction title.
December 11, 2024
4.5 stars. I learned a lot!!!
January 8, 2025
This was a great book about the election of 1960. I have learned quite a bit about the Kennedys over the last year but I didn't know a lot of details about the Nixon/Kennedy election specifically. This was full of fascinating details about it and about the way the world was at the time. I have read lots about JFK's exploits with women, his Addisons disease and subsequent stays in the hospital, but this was the first look I've read about his and his father's connection to organized crime. There were lots of things in this that I have heard before and things that were new to me. I really enjoyed it.
November 18, 2024
Bias
Slow moving, dry. I feel the author wrote the book as a direct jab to get a last word in. Very disappointed in the epilogue.
Slow moving, dry. I feel the author wrote the book as a direct jab to get a last word in. Very disappointed in the epilogue.
January 19, 2025
I generally rate books not only on their content, but also on the skill of the writing and flow of the text. But, and it is a big one, I also ponder how the book affects me emotionally. For most of you, this would be rated 3.5-4 stars but it was such an integral part of my life at age 14 that the memories were overwhelming. Why? My father worked for a NH rehabilitation center and traveled to Boston to ask Senator John Kennedy to speak at a fund raiser. Unfortunately, he had a prior commitment but they had a nice discussion. Some months later, Kennedy called my father and said he had been impressed with his connections in NH and his newspaper experience in West Virginia. He indicated he was going to run for President and asked my Dad to help with the primary campaigns in those two states and afterward with the general election. "I can't pay you much but if I get in, you will do ok."
So, to get the insider view that Chris Wallace relates, brought back a lot of discussions with my father, a lot of the issues that I barely understood, and the actions behind the scenes that I was not aware of. A Kennedy "operative" (Dad?) dropped off an envelope for a county sheriff that contained 10 times too much money - $35,000 vs the expected $3,500 - a lot of money in 1959! When it was reported to HQ, the response was to spread it around to where it would do the most good - primarily intended to covers costs of transporting voters to the polls.
Interesting observations regarding the actions between the principals - Kennedys and Johnson - possible election interference by Johnson's folks in Texas, and possible shenanigans in Illinois, thanx to Frank Sinatra's links to organized crime and the efforts of Mayor Daley.
I met Jack Kennedy in NH as he kicked off the primary (later he acted as if he remembered when I ran into him during a White House tour - actually think my Dad set me up - "Hey Jack, my kid's on a tour, go act like you remember meeting him in NH") met Robert Kennedy in NH on another occasion then again when he gave a talk at my sister's small high school. He looked around the small group of students and quipped, "As a Kennedy, I have more people than this at my breakfast table!" Robert was always my favorite - actually shorter than me and into the things I enjoyed like mountaineering. Actually, he was involved in the first climb of Mt. Kennedy in the Yukon but said he hated every minute of it. Still ... quite an impression on my teenage mind.
My Dad went on to become Undersecretary of Housing and Congressional Liaison and helped get his boss, Bob Weaver installed as the first minority cabinet member.
So, reliving the 1960 election as a result of this book was a great experience. Those "Boomers" who lived through it with me will find it an enjoyable ride, you young 'uns will gain some insight to our country's past in an entertaining and informative fashion.
So, to get the insider view that Chris Wallace relates, brought back a lot of discussions with my father, a lot of the issues that I barely understood, and the actions behind the scenes that I was not aware of. A Kennedy "operative" (Dad?) dropped off an envelope for a county sheriff that contained 10 times too much money - $35,000 vs the expected $3,500 - a lot of money in 1959! When it was reported to HQ, the response was to spread it around to where it would do the most good - primarily intended to covers costs of transporting voters to the polls.
Interesting observations regarding the actions between the principals - Kennedys and Johnson - possible election interference by Johnson's folks in Texas, and possible shenanigans in Illinois, thanx to Frank Sinatra's links to organized crime and the efforts of Mayor Daley.
I met Jack Kennedy in NH as he kicked off the primary (later he acted as if he remembered when I ran into him during a White House tour - actually think my Dad set me up - "Hey Jack, my kid's on a tour, go act like you remember meeting him in NH") met Robert Kennedy in NH on another occasion then again when he gave a talk at my sister's small high school. He looked around the small group of students and quipped, "As a Kennedy, I have more people than this at my breakfast table!" Robert was always my favorite - actually shorter than me and into the things I enjoyed like mountaineering. Actually, he was involved in the first climb of Mt. Kennedy in the Yukon but said he hated every minute of it. Still ... quite an impression on my teenage mind.
My Dad went on to become Undersecretary of Housing and Congressional Liaison and helped get his boss, Bob Weaver installed as the first minority cabinet member.
So, reliving the 1960 election as a result of this book was a great experience. Those "Boomers" who lived through it with me will find it an enjoyable ride, you young 'uns will gain some insight to our country's past in an entertaining and informative fashion.
August 13, 2025
This was a good summary of the 1960 election, and why it was such an important election in presidential history.
Key takeaways:
— Nixon ran his first congressional campaign with funds he had earned gambling in the Navy.
— the fact that JFK, through sheer spending, made it so that political party primaries mattered, so the people, rather than the political establishment, pick their candidate
— Nixon made his career on being an anti-communist
—I loved the parts about Frank Sinatra and Judith Campbell
— the fact that Bobby ran JFK’s campaign and was by far the hardest worker in the family
— only sixteen states in the country in 1960 even had primary elections by law
— the fact that Sinatra sang “high hopes” for the Kennedy campaign commercials
— the fact that Joe Kennedy and Joe McCarthy were close pals
— the fact that JFK essentially bought the West Virginia primary bc the state was 95% Protestant.
— the fact that Jackie Robinson and MLK initially supported Nixon, and that Jackie wrote articles for the newspapers
— the fact that LBJ and J Edgar Hoover were close pals
— the bay of pigs operation was originally an Eisenhower admin plan w the CIA to train exiles in Guatemala. There were also attempts to kill Castro, but Sam Gianacana was the CIA’s connect, and he was working w JFK so he had incentive to take his time.
— “30% of all workers were in unions” in 1960.
— Guantanamo bay used to be a Cuban territory
— 1960 was first year with head to head presidents nominee debate
Key takeaways:
— Nixon ran his first congressional campaign with funds he had earned gambling in the Navy.
— the fact that JFK, through sheer spending, made it so that political party primaries mattered, so the people, rather than the political establishment, pick their candidate
— Nixon made his career on being an anti-communist
—I loved the parts about Frank Sinatra and Judith Campbell
— the fact that Bobby ran JFK’s campaign and was by far the hardest worker in the family
— only sixteen states in the country in 1960 even had primary elections by law
— the fact that Sinatra sang “high hopes” for the Kennedy campaign commercials
— the fact that Joe Kennedy and Joe McCarthy were close pals
— the fact that JFK essentially bought the West Virginia primary bc the state was 95% Protestant.
— the fact that Jackie Robinson and MLK initially supported Nixon, and that Jackie wrote articles for the newspapers
— the fact that LBJ and J Edgar Hoover were close pals
— the bay of pigs operation was originally an Eisenhower admin plan w the CIA to train exiles in Guatemala. There were also attempts to kill Castro, but Sam Gianacana was the CIA’s connect, and he was working w JFK so he had incentive to take his time.
— “30% of all workers were in unions” in 1960.
— Guantanamo bay used to be a Cuban territory
— 1960 was first year with head to head presidents nominee debate
January 7, 2025
A very interesting and honestly captivating recounting of the 1960 presidential election. I learned so much!
I really love when a nonfiction book is written in a manner that tells a story rather than just stating facts. It not only makes the facts more digestible, but it also hooks readers into something deeper than “American history.” A reminder that people love stories, including me!
Also there was some super crazy stuff going down around this election. Maybe history does repeat itself 👀
I really love when a nonfiction book is written in a manner that tells a story rather than just stating facts. It not only makes the facts more digestible, but it also hooks readers into something deeper than “American history.” A reminder that people love stories, including me!
Also there was some super crazy stuff going down around this election. Maybe history does repeat itself 👀
May 21, 2025
I was going to give this three stars because a lot of the information was pretty general in knowledge about the 1960 election. But as the book went on and the discussion about voter irregularities in several states became the main focus, I changed my mind. The details were interesting and Nixon’s decision to not challenge the results was very interesting. Chris Wallace then compares the 1960 election to 2020 with a scathing takedown of the donald.
Pretty good stuff here and it reads quick.
Pretty good stuff here and it reads quick.
October 31, 2024
I liked this book a lot it is rather ironic that I happened to read it the week before the Presidential election. Lots of things I didn’t know were written about in this book. Nixon refusing to pursue the investigation into the election caused me to question if he really was putting the country first. It occurs to me that maybe he didn’t want too close of an investigation either but maybe that’s my cynical nature showing itself. The author can certainly write what he wants and I appreciated his writing style and giving me things to think about but his conclusions that in 1960 we were a more patriotic and selfless country ring hollow in my ears. Another author could have written this book and implied that the Democrats stole one election why not another in 2020? So thank you Mr. Wallace but I’ll be drawing my own conclusions.
December 18, 2024
4.5 stars
Extremely interesting and fast-paced, and informative, if Mr. Wallace's sources and research are authoritative. I felt that some of it relied on one person's recollections without much corroboration. And I disagree with some of his analyses. Nevertheless, a book worth reading and a good look into one of the most significant elections in American history.
Extremely interesting and fast-paced, and informative, if Mr. Wallace's sources and research are authoritative. I felt that some of it relied on one person's recollections without much corroboration. And I disagree with some of his analyses. Nevertheless, a book worth reading and a good look into one of the most significant elections in American history.
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February 25, 2025Anyone who has an interest in the U.S. election system should definitely give this book a read. At the time I was reading the book, the topic was very relevant given all that was being claimed about both the 2020 and 2024 elections. Chris Wallace provided an interesting take on the Kennedy-Nixon election of 1960, which has been regarded by many as a stolen election due what Chicago Mayor Daley may or may have not done to help Kennedy gain the victory.
June 26, 2025
Since my daughter was in US history last semester we had lots of discussions about politics and the 1960s. This book covers the Kennedy’s, Nixon, civil rights, Cuba, Hollywood along with the 1960 election. I learned so much! This book added to our US history discussions and we learned how history really does repeat itself.
January 16, 2025
Interesting read
I will have to admit I enjoy Chris Wallace’s other Countdown books, but this one taught me a lot more than I ever knew about the presidential election of 1960. The detail of the interworking of the Kennedy/Nixon campaign give you a real inside look.
I will have to admit I enjoy Chris Wallace’s other Countdown books, but this one taught me a lot more than I ever knew about the presidential election of 1960. The detail of the interworking of the Kennedy/Nixon campaign give you a real inside look.
November 3, 2024
Very well written book about the race for the White House.... Nixon and Kennedy.
February 27, 2025
Hands down the best presidential book I’ve read. Kennedy and Nixon juxtapose each other completely.
Kennedy is reckless and rich, describing his affairs as a “family tradition.” What did Kennedy stand for? Nothing. This book made me see a completely new side of Kennedy—a corrupt politician who bought an election. Whether it be through expensive campaigns with Joe Sr.’s money or the Chicago Political Machine, the election was influenced. Kennedy didn’t do anything for Civil Rights until it was time to gain votes. He didn’t firmly believe in Civil Rights until Birmingham, Alabama. Kennedy’s legacy is greater than his impact.
On the other hand, Nixon is a common man. He served in World War II and attended Whittier College after his family couldn’t afford Harvard. He remained faithful to his wife, Pat Nixon, throughout their marriage. He’s an Orange County boy through and through. I loved that he visited San Juan Capistrano Mission on Election Day. Although watergate was crooked, Nixon’s certification of the 1960 election took courage—a whole Profiles in Courage chapter should be written about him. He suffered wrongful defeat, yet strongly protected the American Constitution and democracy. Nixon had deep personal wounds and insecurities: he is human.
Kennedy is reckless and rich, describing his affairs as a “family tradition.” What did Kennedy stand for? Nothing. This book made me see a completely new side of Kennedy—a corrupt politician who bought an election. Whether it be through expensive campaigns with Joe Sr.’s money or the Chicago Political Machine, the election was influenced. Kennedy didn’t do anything for Civil Rights until it was time to gain votes. He didn’t firmly believe in Civil Rights until Birmingham, Alabama. Kennedy’s legacy is greater than his impact.
On the other hand, Nixon is a common man. He served in World War II and attended Whittier College after his family couldn’t afford Harvard. He remained faithful to his wife, Pat Nixon, throughout their marriage. He’s an Orange County boy through and through. I loved that he visited San Juan Capistrano Mission on Election Day. Although watergate was crooked, Nixon’s certification of the 1960 election took courage—a whole Profiles in Courage chapter should be written about him. He suffered wrongful defeat, yet strongly protected the American Constitution and democracy. Nixon had deep personal wounds and insecurities: he is human.
February 28, 2025
Great book. I learned soo much about Kennedy and Nixon and the 1960 election. Loved the ties and significance that Chris Wallace pointed out to current politics at the end. It did make me feel kinda jaded and depressed about American politics and elections though.
February 3, 2025
If you were looking for some Nixon white-washing this is the book for you! There's no denying that JFK was not the angel that many want to pretend he was but the way Nixon is presented by Wallace as a (nearly) innocent victim is a joke. The sourcing for some of the allegations against JFK is also based solely on one persons memoirs with no backup.
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