CNN news anchor Chris Wallace starts the book in January 1960, when U.S. Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts declared his candidacy for the presidency during a divided time in United States politics. We are introduced to mobsters, Hollywood movie stars, labor bosses and Cuba's revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. The results were so tight that Americans stayed up well past midnight to hear the final count. Kennedy narrowly defeated Republican Richard M. Nixon, who ultimately decided not to contest the results despite reports of voting irregularities in Illinois and Texas. As we approach another consequential election this year, the book is a reminder of how 1960 was also a deeply perilous time for America.

Source: CNN October 08, 2024 16:00 UTC