The Making of the President 1960 Book Summary

In 'The Making of the President 1960', Theodore H. White provides a riveting behind-the-scenes account of one of the most pivotal presidential campaigns in American history. Through an intimate lens, he captures the fierce rivalry between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, exploring their strategies, debates, and the media's influential role. White's unique access to the candidates offers readers an unparalleled glimpse into their personal lives and political machinations. As the nation stands on the brink of change, this narrative reveals how charisma, youthful energy, and media savvy shaped the future of America. Delve into the intricacies of politics and the dynamics of power with this compelling chronicling of a transformative election.

By Theodore H. White

Published: 2009

""In the crucible of the election, character is tested and revealed. It is not just the candidate's vision that wins, but also the spirit of the people who rally behind them, lifting democratic ideals into a moment of passion and purpose.""

Book Review of The Making of the President 1960

The greatest political story ever told—the epic clash between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, as captured in Theodore White's dramatic and groundbreaking chronicle The Making of the President 1960 is the book that revolutionized—even created—modern political journalism. Granted intimate access to all parties involved, Theodore White crafted an almost mythic story of the battle that pitted Senator John F. Kennedy against Vice-President Richard M. Nixon—from the decisive primary battles to the history-making televised debates, the first of their kind. Magnificently detailed and exquisitely paced, The Making of the President 1960 imbues the nation's presidential election process with both grittiness and grandeur, and established a benchmark against which all new campaign reporters would measure their work. The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction—and the first entry in White's influential four-volume "narrative history of American politics in action"—this classic account remains the keystone of American political journalism.

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"In the crucible of the election, character is tested and revealed. It is not just the candidate's vision that wins, but also the spirit of the people who rally behind them, lifting democratic ideals into a moment of passion and purpose."

The Making of the President 1960

By Theodore H. White