The Making of the President, 1960 by Theodore White
  • 1. The Making of the President, 1960 by Theodore White is a groundbreaking political narrative that delves into the intricate and fascinating world of the 1960 U.S. presidential campaign, highlighting the strategies, personalities, and the historical context that defined the election between the Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy and the Republican incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon. White's work is not simply a recounting of events; it is a detailed exploration of the political atmosphere of the time, examining how television emerged as a pivotal force in shaping public perception and influencing voter decisions. The book captures the essence of a transformative moment in American history, portraying the vibrancy and urgency of the campaign trail, the clash of ideals, and the critical role of media in modern politics. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, White paints a vivid picture of Kennedy's youthful charisma, Nixon's resilience, and the broader societal tensions regarding civil rights and Cold War anxieties. Ultimately, White's narrative not only chronicles the electoral process but also reflects upon the implications of leadership and the American democratic system, making it a seminal work that remains relevant to understanding contemporary political dynamics.

    Who was the Democratic nominee for President in 1960?
A) Richard Nixon
B) John F. Kennedy
C) Lyndon B. Johnson
D) Adlai Stevenson
  • 2. Which Republican candidate did Kennedy run against in the 1960 election?
A) Dwight Eisenhower
B) Richard Nixon
C) Harry Truman
D) Barry Goldwater
  • 3. What was significant about the Kennedy-Nixon debates?
A) They were held in person only
B) Only radio broadcasts were allowed
C) First televised presidential debates
D) They were hosted by the Supreme Court
  • 4. What was John F. Kennedy's campaign slogan?
A) Change We Can Believe In
B) Yes We Can
C) A New Frontier
D) Let's Make America Great Again
  • 5. What international crisis impacted the Kennedy campaign?
A) Vietnam protests
B) World War II
C) The Cold War tensions
D) The Korean War
  • 6. Which group did Kennedy appeal to strongly?
A) Younger voters
B) War veterans
C) Senior citizens
D) Farmers
  • 7. How did Kennedy's religion impact the campaign?
A) Concerns over Catholicism
B) Strong support from all faiths
C) No effect at all
D) Unity among different denominations
  • 8. Which major city did Kennedy campaign heavily in?
A) Chicago
B) San Francisco
C) Los Angeles
D) New York City
  • 9. The book 'The Making of the President, 1960' was published in what year?
A) 1963
B) 1965
C) 1959
D) 1961
  • 10. What role did the media play in shaping opinions?
A) Critical in reporting debates and events
B) Only supported Nixon
C) Focused on entertainment news
D) Had little effect
  • 11. Which party did John F. Kennedy represent in the 1960 election?
A) Green Party
B) Democratic Party
C) Independent
D) Republican Party
  • 12. What was a major concern for voters in 1960?
A) High taxes
B) Healthcare costs
C) Labor strikes
D) Nuclear war
  • 13. What role did television play in the 1960 election?
A) Crucial for public image
B) Used solely for advertising
C) Only covered campaign rallies
D) Minimal impact
  • 14. What did White suggest about the future of presidential campaigns?
A) Return to grassroots methods
B) Less reliance on technology
C) Increased focus on media strategies
D) Emphasis on in-person speeches
  • 15. What was Richard Nixon's position before running for president in 1960?
A) Vice President
B) Congressman
C) Governor
D) Senator
  • 16. Who was the Vice Presidential candidate for Kennedy?
A) Lyndon B. Johnson
B) Richard Nixon
C) Hubert Humphrey
D) George H.W. Bush
  • 17. The 1960 election had historic implications for:
A) Military strategy
B) Television and politics
C) Civil service reforms
D) Economic policy
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