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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.
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.
448 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
About the author
Chris Wallace
36 books97 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 7, 2024
A five-star book, but I am deducting two stars due to questionable sourcing to further a narrative:
Goodness knows how many books, podcasts, documentaries, and readings in history textbooks have been devoted to the 1960 presidential election.
Journalist Chris Wallace takes the approach of counting down to Election Day (and then the two month aftermath which doesn't count in the days) in 4-5 page chapters. It's not an 800-page scholarly work, but that wasn't what I was looking for. This book gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall feeling, especially in regards to interpersonal relationships inside both candidate's circles. Both candidates did fantastic jobs hiding secrets that may derail their campaigns. Nixon is clearly the better debater, yet Kennedy is magical with his campaign trail speeches. Kennedy has a strong inner circle, whereas Nixon trusts his own instincts, which backfires on several occasions.
Why did I take off two stars from a book I enjoyed? While I consider Chris Wallace a respected journalist, even though he was once employed by a station that's mindless pablum, he falls into a trap of trying to make the book too salacious with Kennedy's philandering and Mafia stories. Was Kennedy a serial philanderer and did he likely have mob ties - yes. However, in two such chapters, I went to the notes section which was rather sparse. All the quotes and other information all come from the same source - Judith Exner's My Story. While it is a first person document, how credible is she? Please note I am not trying to slut-shame her. Also please note, this book was written before I was born and I have not read it. However, similar first-person "tell-alls" from my era sometimes don't let facts get in the way of a juicy narrative. I would put the same creedence in Exner's book as I would in any written by Bill Clinton's or Donald Trump's many paramours.
I know fellow readers, including myself, sometimes complain about notes and sources sometimes take up 60-70 pages of a book. Wallace's books does not have many notes, but does have a lot of sources. But the two chapters in question were so salacious, I checked the notes. The only source he used was Judith Exner's My Story. I looked at the rest of Wallace's notes and and all are from highly credible primary and secondary sources - as is his long source list. While I don't think Wallace deliberately tried to mislead readers or besmirch Kennedy, those two chapters devolve into gossip. It's telling that he went to the well for the same source, rather than others which are likely more grounded in fact, if not 100% factual.
From what I did learn and the engaging style of writing, it's a five star. For hardcore history buffs who read this review, please heed my warning. These sourcing issues may be a dealbreaker. Thus, my two star deduction.
Goodness knows how many books, podcasts, documentaries, and readings in history textbooks have been devoted to the 1960 presidential election.
Journalist Chris Wallace takes the approach of counting down to Election Day (and then the two month aftermath which doesn't count in the days) in 4-5 page chapters. It's not an 800-page scholarly work, but that wasn't what I was looking for. This book gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall feeling, especially in regards to interpersonal relationships inside both candidate's circles. Both candidates did fantastic jobs hiding secrets that may derail their campaigns. Nixon is clearly the better debater, yet Kennedy is magical with his campaign trail speeches. Kennedy has a strong inner circle, whereas Nixon trusts his own instincts, which backfires on several occasions.
Why did I take off two stars from a book I enjoyed? While I consider Chris Wallace a respected journalist, even though he was once employed by a station that's mindless pablum, he falls into a trap of trying to make the book too salacious with Kennedy's philandering and Mafia stories. Was Kennedy a serial philanderer and did he likely have mob ties - yes. However, in two such chapters, I went to the notes section which was rather sparse. All the quotes and other information all come from the same source - Judith Exner's My Story. While it is a first person document, how credible is she? Please note I am not trying to slut-shame her. Also please note, this book was written before I was born and I have not read it. However, similar first-person "tell-alls" from my era sometimes don't let facts get in the way of a juicy narrative. I would put the same creedence in Exner's book as I would in any written by Bill Clinton's or Donald Trump's many paramours.
I know fellow readers, including myself, sometimes complain about notes and sources sometimes take up 60-70 pages of a book. Wallace's books does not have many notes, but does have a lot of sources. But the two chapters in question were so salacious, I checked the notes. The only source he used was Judith Exner's My Story. I looked at the rest of Wallace's notes and and all are from highly credible primary and secondary sources - as is his long source list. While I don't think Wallace deliberately tried to mislead readers or besmirch Kennedy, those two chapters devolve into gossip. It's telling that he went to the well for the same source, rather than others which are likely more grounded in fact, if not 100% factual.
From what I did learn and the engaging style of writing, it's a five star. For hardcore history buffs who read this review, please heed my warning. These sourcing issues may be a dealbreaker. Thus, my two star deduction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 3, 2024
Very well written book about the race for the White House.... Nixon and Kennedy.
August 30, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.
Thank you, Dutton, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished Countdown 1960: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the 312 Days that Changed America’s Politics Forever, by Chris Wallace.
This book will be released to public on October 8.
I have mixed views on this book. On the one hand, it was a good review of the 1960 election. The author divided the book into short chapters, each entitled “Countdown: [number of days left until the election]” and then discussed something from that day about the election. The book started with the campaigns for the party nominations and ran through the election and Nixon challenging the election.
The contents of the book were good and enjoyable, until I realized the book had a clear trend, which once I realized that, it became obvious that the flaw was there from the start. It was as if Wallace had sat down plotting his themes of the book and determined the storylines were: Kennedy: gratuitous mentions of his sex life, throw in as many mentions of the mob as he could, everything single thing involving campaign money was suspect, liar about his health, bad record on civil rights. As for Nixon: no personal flaws at all in his character. The book never missed a chance to make a gratuitous attack on Kennedy, almost always on matters that played no role in who won the election, while continuing to portray Nixon as just another candidate, one whose potential flaw would be having a bad luck of seeing a psychiatrist at a time that the American public wouldn’t accept that from a candidate (which, the book makes it sound like just bad timing for Nixon, while it is something that continues to this day).
The content otherwise was good, but I was knocking it down to around a B because of the bias. Then, we got to the part about Nixon contesting the election. Does the author deserve credit for not going along with the whitewashed version of the story in which Nixon conceded without a fight, for the good of the country? The author wouldn’t even have to explain how Nixon would have acted so unNixonian since he was already writing about a sanitized Nixon character who, unlike Kennedy, was flawless. He does describe how they challenged results in Texas and Illinois, but then makes the claim that they didn’t pursue it.
Unfortunately, the facts show otherwise. There wasn’t just challenges made in those states. Challenges were done in 11 states and lawsuits were filed in Texas and Illinois. The book whitewashes that.
As Rachel Maddow pointed out in seasons 2 of her excellent podcast series, Ultra, the plan to file alternate electors to create January 6 chaos had originated with the Nixon 1960 campaign. I am the last person to ever criticize a book for criticizing Trump, but in this case, I had to. The author went to great lengths trying to argue how differently Nixon handled the election than Trump did. Other than the quantity of lawsuits and the violence, that wasn’t really the case.
If the author hadn’t continued to show his bias at the end, he could have brought this up to a B+ by refusing to go along with the whitewashed popular version. But, Wallace doubling down on his bias had the opposite effect, making another downgrade necessary.
I didn’t want to have to downgrade it all the way to a C. So, I figured out a good compromise. It has been years since I have given out a grade with either a plus or minus, except for A+ and B+. I haven’t given out a C+ since July 2021, but I think that’s what this one should get.
It was disappointing to have to give this one book that grade. Throw out the bias and you get a shorter book, but one that would have been a good candidate for an A.
Maybe my expectations for Wallace were too high. Even though he had been a FOX News personality, I thought his reputation for fairness was enough to overcome that. But, this book is not a good datapoint to support that.
Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, a C+ equates to 2 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on August 30, 2024.
Thank you, Dutton, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished Countdown 1960: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the 312 Days that Changed America’s Politics Forever, by Chris Wallace.
This book will be released to public on October 8.
I have mixed views on this book. On the one hand, it was a good review of the 1960 election. The author divided the book into short chapters, each entitled “Countdown: [number of days left until the election]” and then discussed something from that day about the election. The book started with the campaigns for the party nominations and ran through the election and Nixon challenging the election.
The contents of the book were good and enjoyable, until I realized the book had a clear trend, which once I realized that, it became obvious that the flaw was there from the start. It was as if Wallace had sat down plotting his themes of the book and determined the storylines were: Kennedy: gratuitous mentions of his sex life, throw in as many mentions of the mob as he could, everything single thing involving campaign money was suspect, liar about his health, bad record on civil rights. As for Nixon: no personal flaws at all in his character. The book never missed a chance to make a gratuitous attack on Kennedy, almost always on matters that played no role in who won the election, while continuing to portray Nixon as just another candidate, one whose potential flaw would be having a bad luck of seeing a psychiatrist at a time that the American public wouldn’t accept that from a candidate (which, the book makes it sound like just bad timing for Nixon, while it is something that continues to this day).
The content otherwise was good, but I was knocking it down to around a B because of the bias. Then, we got to the part about Nixon contesting the election. Does the author deserve credit for not going along with the whitewashed version of the story in which Nixon conceded without a fight, for the good of the country? The author wouldn’t even have to explain how Nixon would have acted so unNixonian since he was already writing about a sanitized Nixon character who, unlike Kennedy, was flawless. He does describe how they challenged results in Texas and Illinois, but then makes the claim that they didn’t pursue it.
Unfortunately, the facts show otherwise. There wasn’t just challenges made in those states. Challenges were done in 11 states and lawsuits were filed in Texas and Illinois. The book whitewashes that.
As Rachel Maddow pointed out in seasons 2 of her excellent podcast series, Ultra, the plan to file alternate electors to create January 6 chaos had originated with the Nixon 1960 campaign. I am the last person to ever criticize a book for criticizing Trump, but in this case, I had to. The author went to great lengths trying to argue how differently Nixon handled the election than Trump did. Other than the quantity of lawsuits and the violence, that wasn’t really the case.
If the author hadn’t continued to show his bias at the end, he could have brought this up to a B+ by refusing to go along with the whitewashed popular version. But, Wallace doubling down on his bias had the opposite effect, making another downgrade necessary.
I didn’t want to have to downgrade it all the way to a C. So, I figured out a good compromise. It has been years since I have given out a grade with either a plus or minus, except for A+ and B+. I haven’t given out a C+ since July 2021, but I think that’s what this one should get.
It was disappointing to have to give this one book that grade. Throw out the bias and you get a shorter book, but one that would have been a good candidate for an A.
Maybe my expectations for Wallace were too high. Even though he had been a FOX News personality, I thought his reputation for fairness was enough to overcome that. But, this book is not a good datapoint to support that.
Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, a C+ equates to 2 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on August 30, 2024.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars if I could
This book is a treasure trove for politics nerds and history nerds like me.
I thought I knew what Nixon did wrong in his first debate with JFK, and sure, I knew there was most likely funny business with the vote-counting in Chicago, and of course I knew about JFK's suffering from Addison's disease, about his womanizing, about his father's money.
This book opened my eyes to how little I knew!
And how much worse it was in 1960 than I realized -- those "innocent" old days?
The depth and details of Joe Kennedy's influence, not only the money, but also the mobsters he brought into the campaign behind the scenes. (The disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba gets tied in here, too.) The depth and details of voter fraud in Texas as well as Chicago. And the women, and how Judith Campbell connects JFK with the Mob, and the backroom threats.
I knew that Lyndon Johnson didn't get along with the Kennedys, but I didn't how much they mutually hated each other, or why.
And then, for a nice human touch, we also learn how Nixon and Kennedy spent Election Day.
Perhaps scariest of all is author Chris Wallace's analysis that Nixon's narrow, probably fraudulent loss -- and his brief moment of statesmanship --may have unleashed the "dark side" of him that would emerge later with Watergate.
After eagerly urging on Republican politicians' initial investigations into voter fraud, Nixon ultimately pulled back. For the good of the country, he would not contest the announced results. He would not drag the American people through indecision and more partisan division.
For the rest of life, did he resent that moment of integrity?
Wallace also brings in the inevitable comparison with Donald Trump, who of course has never shown integrity or statesmanship. No need for me to say more.
So why did I lower my 3.5 stars to 3 rather than upping it to 4?
One reason is that I have no idea if this book breaks new reporting ground. Veteran politicos and historians may have known everything in the book already.
But more personally, the 3d-grade writing style drove me crazy. Short sentences, repetitive sentence structure, most chapters ending on a portentous "He might not get a chance like this again" kind of pronouncement.
Still, it's an engrossing and worthwhile read.
Now more than ever.
This book is a treasure trove for politics nerds and history nerds like me.
I thought I knew what Nixon did wrong in his first debate with JFK, and sure, I knew there was most likely funny business with the vote-counting in Chicago, and of course I knew about JFK's suffering from Addison's disease, about his womanizing, about his father's money.
This book opened my eyes to how little I knew!
And how much worse it was in 1960 than I realized -- those "innocent" old days?
The depth and details of Joe Kennedy's influence, not only the money, but also the mobsters he brought into the campaign behind the scenes. (The disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba gets tied in here, too.) The depth and details of voter fraud in Texas as well as Chicago. And the women, and how Judith Campbell connects JFK with the Mob, and the backroom threats.
I knew that Lyndon Johnson didn't get along with the Kennedys, but I didn't how much they mutually hated each other, or why.
And then, for a nice human touch, we also learn how Nixon and Kennedy spent Election Day.
Perhaps scariest of all is author Chris Wallace's analysis that Nixon's narrow, probably fraudulent loss -- and his brief moment of statesmanship --may have unleashed the "dark side" of him that would emerge later with Watergate.
After eagerly urging on Republican politicians' initial investigations into voter fraud, Nixon ultimately pulled back. For the good of the country, he would not contest the announced results. He would not drag the American people through indecision and more partisan division.
For the rest of life, did he resent that moment of integrity?
Wallace also brings in the inevitable comparison with Donald Trump, who of course has never shown integrity or statesmanship. No need for me to say more.
So why did I lower my 3.5 stars to 3 rather than upping it to 4?
One reason is that I have no idea if this book breaks new reporting ground. Veteran politicos and historians may have known everything in the book already.
But more personally, the 3d-grade writing style drove me crazy. Short sentences, repetitive sentence structure, most chapters ending on a portentous "He might not get a chance like this again" kind of pronouncement.
Still, it's an engrossing and worthwhile read.
Now more than ever.
November 3, 2024
A good look at the 1960 Presidential Election, one of the closest in U.S. History.
I was born in 1968, and Nixon is the first President I remember. Watergate is also a vivid memory in my mind. So Nixon has always fascinated me. And to a slightly lesser extent, so has JFK.
This book examines the year 1960, from January thru the next January (1961).
We follow both JFK and Nixon as they each get their party's nomination.
Kennedy is trying to become the first Roman Catholic to be elected president. Many Americans fear that The Catholic Church would control The White House if JFK was to win.
Nixon is trying to win without any dirty tactics, that had earned him the nickname Tricky Dick.
It's not smooth sailing for either candidate.
I was hoping to learn new things about Nixon and JFK. To a small extent, I did.
This was enjoyable.
There is some irony at the end of this election, as Nixon makes decisions so that the country is not embarrassed or compromised.
Overall,I did enjoy it.
I was born in 1968, and Nixon is the first President I remember. Watergate is also a vivid memory in my mind. So Nixon has always fascinated me. And to a slightly lesser extent, so has JFK.
This book examines the year 1960, from January thru the next January (1961).
We follow both JFK and Nixon as they each get their party's nomination.
Kennedy is trying to become the first Roman Catholic to be elected president. Many Americans fear that The Catholic Church would control The White House if JFK was to win.
Nixon is trying to win without any dirty tactics, that had earned him the nickname Tricky Dick.
It's not smooth sailing for either candidate.
I was hoping to learn new things about Nixon and JFK. To a small extent, I did.
This was enjoyable.
There is some irony at the end of this election, as Nixon makes decisions so that the country is not embarrassed or compromised.
Overall,I did enjoy it.
November 5, 2024
This was such a good read! It was very chronological, well researched, and unbiased. I appreciated the pace and chapter length, and felt the author made good choices regarding what to include. I appreciated that he made an effort to humanize both candidates, and I could tell he really made an effort to be fair to both Kennedy and Nixon.
I really appreciated that both modern context and Chris Wallace's own politics were kept completely out of this book until the epilogue and author's note. While I didn't agree with everything he said there, I appreciate the effort made to keep the main thing the main thing in the actual chapters of the book. One minor complaint - the narrator chose to attempt a JFK voice/accent when quoting him. This is pretty common practice in audiobooks featuring JFK, but is almost always a mistake in my estimation, we all know how he sounded.
I really appreciated that both modern context and Chris Wallace's own politics were kept completely out of this book until the epilogue and author's note. While I didn't agree with everything he said there, I appreciate the effort made to keep the main thing the main thing in the actual chapters of the book. One minor complaint - the narrator chose to attempt a JFK voice/accent when quoting him. This is pretty common practice in audiobooks featuring JFK, but is almost always a mistake in my estimation, we all know how he sounded.
November 1, 2024
This is a good historical non-fiction book. It moves fast. I knew about some of the 1960 Presidential election like the Nixon Kennedy debates and how they were the first to be televised. I didn’t know how much of the election Kennedy is believed to have bought. That was interesting. Although Chris Wallace didn’t need to put the part about the 2020 election and how it paralleled the 1960 election and the Kennedy fraud. Did that need to be added probably not but it adds context to today’s modern history.
October 13, 2024
I started out not liking the flow of this book. I really don’t like the countdown gimmick. However, it turned into a serious, researched historical expose on the Kennedy corruption during the 1960 election. It provides such insight into the JFK, LBJ, and Nixon personalities and characters. In particular, the latter’s experience goes a long way to help one understand later events in his life (understanding but not absolution). Also, we see the latter two’s more progressive approach to racism.
October 23, 2024
If you lived in the 60's you can identify with this book. These years did definitely change America and the world. I found it very interesting and learned about things I had never known, especially the Kennedy years. Without all the politics this was the best years ever....times were different, people were different, we weren't divided. A must read book and one you will enjoy.
October 24, 2024
Surprisingly, I blew through this book in 3 days. It was that good. The parallels between the 1960 election and the 2020 election are uncanny. As bad a Tricky Dick ended up being after Watergate, at least he had the dignity to concede, which distinguishes him from Trump. Wallace’s epilogue encapsulated it succinctly.
October 27, 2024
This was an interesting, well-researched, and page turning look agree 1960 election. With all the "election fraud" claims recently, this looks at one time in history where those claims were likely valid and how Nixon chose to preserve democracy. I learned a lot with this and found it a very approachable way to present the topic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
Fills in the gaps
Much of the story is well known. But more so the big details and not what transpired in between. This is an interesting read. Gives a much fuller accounting of the months leading up to the election. I give four stars because I feel the writing style is a bit unsophisticated. But that may be to appeal to the average reader.
Much of the story is well known. But more so the big details and not what transpired in between. This is an interesting read. Gives a much fuller accounting of the months leading up to the election. I give four stars because I feel the writing style is a bit unsophisticated. But that may be to appeal to the average reader.
October 19, 2024
A better rating would be 3 1/2 stars. The chapters relating to the campaign and the various candidates, including Humphrey and Rockefeller, art, interesting, and informative. The chapters dealing with Kennedy’s womanizing, Mafia connections and Frank Sinatra took it down.
October 6, 2024
Fascinating read about Kennedy and early 1960’s politics. There are so many interesting details that I learned from this book.
October 20, 2024
This book was so well written that:
1. I immediately bought the other two “countdown” books.
2. I felt empathy toward Richard Nixon.
1. I immediately bought the other two “countdown” books.
2. I felt empathy toward Richard Nixon.
October 28, 2024
Only the last 50 pages are worth reading
November 2, 2024
It was so good. Loved it. Until it turned in to a slam on Trump.
November 3, 2024
Not my favorite genre. But very interesting because of our political situation right now. I had NO idea!
November 4, 2024
A very enjoyable read. Some new background info and fun insights from people on the scene.
November 6, 2024
4.9 This is just terrific. Great look at the events leading up to JFKs 1960 election. Finished the day Trump was elected to a second term!
November 8, 2024
Good account of the race between Kennedy & Nixon, spoiled only by some overly repetitive writing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews