Category: Campaign 1956
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Commies for Kefauver?
During the 1956 campaign, the Communists published a report that appeared to endorse the Democrats, and Kefauver in particular. it caused a stir… but why didn’t it dominate the campaign?
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Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Kefauver Visits the LBJ Ranch
Just before Thanksgiving 1955, Estes Kefauver paid a visit to Lyndon Johnson at home. Johnson wanted to show that he still ruled the Democratic Party, while Kefauver sought a Presidential endorsement. Only one of them got his wish.
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Kennedy Kicks Kefauver, Mocks Campaigning in Private 1956 Speech
Right after the ’56 election, JFK gave an off-the-record speech joking about his experience on the campaign trail. A lot of his “jokes,” though, suggested some… hidden frustrations. Or maybe not so hidden.
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Advise and Dissent: The Short, Controversial Life of the DAC
In the 1950, Democratic liberals were frustrated by conservative Congressional leaders and the ever-popular Ike. So they founded the Democratic Advisory Council to make their voices heard. Was it a success or a failure… or both?
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An Ode to Nancy, Kefauver’s Wife and “Secret Weapon”
Nancy Kefauver was the ideal partner for Estes. She was a loving wife and mother, a brilliant household manager… but also a talented artist, a capable campaigner, and a certified charmer.
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“Seventeen Days to Victory”: Democrats’ Televised Hollywood Spectacular
A couple weeks before their landslide loss, the Stevenson-Kefauver campaign held a star-studded coast-to-coast gala event. Was it a waste of money… or a preview of future campaigns?
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Power of the Press: Drew Pearson’s Campaigns for Kefauver
Kefauver had a lot of challenges in his runs for President, but he had the most powerful political columnist in America on his side. How far did the columnist go to help Kefauver win, and why wasn’t he ultimately able to get it done?
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Stay on TASK: The Rise of Teens in Politics
Despite what you may have seen in the movies, teenagers in the Fifties cared about more than hot rods and school dances. In 1956, teens started to find their political voice… and campaigns started enlisting their help.
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To Run or Not to Run: Kefauver’s Candid Campaign Thoughts
Kefauver’s 1956 Presidential run seemed like a sure thing. But did he come close to sitting it out? He shared his honest thoughts on the challenges of campaigning with a pair of national political columnists.
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Give Me A Break: The History of A Campaign Slogan
During his 1956 run for President, Kefauver campaigned on giving Americans an “even break.” Was it just a slogan… or a metaphor for his whole campaign?
Estes Kefauver for President 