Countdown 1960

Instant New York Times Bestseller The riveting new book on the momentous year,campaignand election that shaped American history ItΓÇÖs January 21960: the day that Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy declared his candidacy; and with this opening sceneChris Wallace offers readers a front-row seat to history. From the challenge of primary battles in a nation that had never elected a Catholic presidentto the intense machinations of the national conventionsΓÇöwhere JFK chose Lyndon Johnson as his running mate over the impassioned objections of his brother BobbyΓÇöthis is a nonfiction political thriller filled with intriguecinematic actionand fresh reporting. Like with many popular historiesreaders may be familiar with the storybut few will know the behind-the-scenes detailstold here with gripping effect. Featuring some of historyΓÇÖs most remarkable characterspage-turning actionand vivid detailsCountdown 1960 follows a group of extraordinary politicianscivil rights leadersHollywood starslabor bossesand mobsters during a pivotal year in American history. The election of 1960 ushered in the modern era of presidential politicswith televised debatesprivate planesand slick advertising. In facttelevision played a massive role. 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 electionthe contest between Kennedy and Nixon was so close that Americans were glued to their televisions long after dawn to see who won. The election of 1960 holds stunning parallels to our current political climate. There wereΓÇöpotentially validΓÇöclaims of voter fraud and a stolen election. There was also a presidential candidate faced with the decision of whether to contest the result or honor the peaceful transfer of power.