First modern campaign Kennedy, Nixon and the election of 1960

Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-192) and index.

Ch. 1. The "modern republicanism" of Eisenhower and the GOP split in the fifties -- Ch. 2. The Democrats endure the Eisenhower years -- Ch. 3. Kennedy and the liberals -- Ch. 4. The Democrats slug it out in the primary season -- Ch. 5. Waiting for Nixon -- Ch. 6. The conventions -- Ch. 7. Campaign one -- Ch. 8. The great debates -- Ch. 9. Campaign two -- Ch. 10. Epilogue and analysis.

"In this book, Gary A. Donaldson tells the story of Kennedy versus Nixon with a sharp eye for the salient political developments and a keen sense of the drama of an election that was unlike any other the nation had experienced. The election of 1960 was an orchestrated political drama, organized as a sweeping campaign from coast to coast and staged for a national television audience. This made it the first modern campaign in which the television media changed the dynamics of presidential politics and in which photographs, charisma, and direct appeals to voters counted as they never had before." "Donaldson shows why the whole political season is critical to understanding American politics today. The First Modern Campaign is essential and engaging reading for anyone interested in contemporary politics in the United States."--BOOK JACKET.