The 1960 Democratic Convention - Part 1

Now that the 2008 Democratic National Convention has finished, I thought I would go back into my old film clips & kinescopes and give everyone a sample of what old-time politics was like 48 years ago!
The 1960 Democratic Convention was held from July 11-15 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The primary candidates were John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Adlai Stevenson.
Part One covers the first two days with Kennedy & Johnson fighting for delegates. This was the days before state primaries and deals were made behind closed doors. Johnson wildly waves his arms and Kennedy comes through with rapier wit. Adlai Stevenson makes a brave last speech but we'll see Kennedy emerge as the leader.
I hope you enjoy this look way back into US political history.
July 11-12, 1960

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• Democratic
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• Kennedy
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• Lyndon
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• Stevenson

[Cooman456]

Thanks for uploading this. I'm an obsessive about past election, especially pre general. You forgot to list Hubert Humphrey as a primary candidate though.

[KKD1247]

I always thought he came later...in '64 & 68. Anyway, I did not have any film of him there, so I did not include him.

[ercjncpr]

I cannot wait for part two! Have you got any footage of the Stevenson rallies at that convention?

[KKD1247]

Part 2 is now up and running. The footage shown is pretty much all of the Stevenson film I have.

[brzewe]

I like how John F. Kennedy defused a hostile audience at the Biltmore Hotel by using humor to rebut Lyndon Johnson's remarks. It demonstrates the great power of humor. He had them eating out of his hand in just a few moments.  Our political leaders and the nation today could use more of a charming and lighthearted manner like President Kennedy's.

[haharandom]

JFK sounds like Mr.Boston :)

[AwfulVision]

@BamaChris Johnson would have been a great, great president and would have won in 1968 if he hadn't been so entrenched in Vietnam.

Johnson really wanted to be the next FDR - a progressive social agenda at home, and a showing of American military might abroad. While I'd wager that Johnson's Great Society was on par with FDR's New Deal, I think it's obvious to all that Vietnam was no World War 2; Johnson's failed international policy destroyed his presidency and overshadowed his domestic policy.

[loupgarou5z3w]

... who had enormous domestic legislative accomplishments that should make liberals proud, gets little credit, because he lacked the golden-boy good looks, glamor, mellifluous voice, & charm that most Democrats prize above all else.

[loupgarou5z3w]

... accomplishments in Congress or the White House, off the top of your head? You can't, because he didn't have them. Meanwhile, Johnson, who ac

[loupgarou5z3w]

Democrats in particular seem to have a weakness for charismatic candidates lacking in substance. I think of John Kennedy as the John Edwards of his time. Who can think of four or five of his great legislative accomplishments, im Cong

[presidentbren]

I'm from Idaho and extremely proud of Frank Church. He is my idol.

Conventions are a lot different than they are today.

[presidentbren]

I'm from Idaho and extremely proud of Frank Church. He is my idol.

[prchristman]

Robert Kennedy did not like Lyndon Johnson very much. RFK is seen at 4:00 to 4:23, just to the right of LBJ's left elbow. Looking very stern. At the conclusion of JFK's speech (just following what was posted here), RFK gave LBJ a smile and a handshake. He was no doubt pleased with how well JFK handled Johnson's pointing to all the quorum calls he'd answered.

[nurula007]

haha JFK looks so bored when johnson gave his speech in the beginning. :) just shows how a "prominent" leader johnson was.

[BamaChris]

LBJ was a much better Senate Majority Leader than he was a POTUS.