January 2007

Forty-seven years ago today, on January 2, 1960, a 42-year-old senator announced his candidacy for what he called “the most powerful office in the free world.” Standing beside his wife, Jacqueline, John F. Kennedy declared to the nation, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., that he aimed to serve as President in the new decade. His speech was brief but to the point.

He outlined his biography, highlighting his service in World War II and his time in Congress as well as his experience traveling in foreign countries. He also outlined “the real issues of 1960”: the state of education, the difficulties facing farms and cities, the growing tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Just 11 months later he would narrowly defeat the sitting Vice President. First, however, he would have to overcome a host of rivals for the nomination and answer questions about his own qualifications for the office.