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