John F. Kennedy: 1960 campaign visit to Spokane
John F. Kennedy was in a down-to-the-wire battle with Richard M. Nixon for the presidency in 1960. Sen. Kennedy made four trips to Spokane that year, the city being seen as a key battleground for the electoral votes of Washington. He appeared at a rally at the Lincoln Monument in downtown, at a special meeting at Gonzaga, at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in February, and, made a final campaign swing through the city on November 6, two days before the election. The election took place on November 8. Kennedy eked out victory by the narrowest of margins and took the oath of office as the nation’s 35th President in January of 1961.
Section:Picture story
Sen. John F Kennedy waves in a photo with Sen. Henry M. Jackson during Kennedy’s visit to Spokane, Sept. 6, 1960.
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A Spokane crowd surrounds a car carrying Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John F. Kennedy as it nears the end of the parade route at Main and Monroe where the Massachusetts senator made a brief public appearance. Pictured in the open car from left are Gov. Albert D. Rosellini, Sen. John F. Kennedy and Sen. Henry M. Jackson, Democratic national chairman.
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Left to right, James J. Symbol, eastern Washington Kennedy campaign manager, Sen. Henry M. Jackson, Democratic national chairman, Sen. John F. Kennedy and Gov. Albert D. Rosellini pose for a photo at the end of the parade at Main and Monroe.
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Left to right, James J. Symbol, eastern Washington Kennedy campaign manager, Sen. Henry M. Jackson, Democratic national chairman, Sen. John F. Kennedy and Gov. Albert D. Rosellini pose for a photo at the end of the parade at Main and Monroe.
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Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John F. Kennedy speaks to the crowd in a brief public appearance at the Lincoln Statue at Main and Monroe after a parade in Spokane, Wash., Sept. 6, 1960. Purchase a framed print of this photo.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy, Democratic nominee for President, meets with Democratic leaders at a luncheon in the Desert Caravan Inn following his downtown appearance and parade in Spokane. The fast moving candidate later flew to Seattle for appearances there.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy, Democratic nominee for President, looks at a Spokane Daily Chronicle during his campaign visit to Spokane, Sept. 6, 1960.
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