A Time For Greatness: The Alternate Presidency of John F. Kennedy and beyond

[marktaha]

Hope Liston isn't treated so badly this time.

 

[PickledFish]

Caught in the act​

On October 9th, 1962, the US Navy intercepted a boat heading for Venezuela containing Soviet arms, including rifles, anti-aircraft guns, mortars, explosives and more.

Once detained, the crew claimed to be acting independently with no connection to the Soviet government, but such a story was difficult to believe.

For several months, the CIA, working in conjunction with other agencies, worked to find out how Che Guevarra and other leftist movements in Latin America were so well armed.

Eventually, through interrogating captured guerrillas and other methods of intelligence gathering, they had their answer – unmarked ships containing Soviet weapons was sent to Venezuela to leftist sympathisers who would distribute them in a network across the continent.

Finally, they had caught the Soviet Union in the act.

The Soviet Union immediately denied any involvement, claiming the men were not acting on the orders of anyone in the Soviet leadership.

In truth, Khrushchev had personally planned and approved the plan – over the objections of many even in his inner circle.

Now, the Soviet leader’s plan had been exposed before the world and he was furious.

President Kennedy publicly demanded an explanation as to why the Soviet Union were “funding radical terrorist groups in opposition to the government and people of Latin America”.

Similarly, the UK, France, Canada and several Latin American countries sought further clarification.

Khrushchev was furious – he doubted his leadership could withstand another embarrassment of this magnitude.

If the capitalists in the West were going to pressure him, he would pressure them right back - and he knew just how to do it, as Khrushchev told aides:

“Berlin is the testicle of the West. When I want the West to scream, I squeeze on Berlin.”

Thus, Khrushchev ultimate gamble was about to begin.

Tensions in Berlin​

On October 11th, 1962, Khrushchev and East German leader Walter Ulbricht made a joint announcement to the world – in 24 hours they were completely sealing the border to West Berlin so no one, not even US military personnel, could enter.

They also stated that any unidentified, non-Soviet approved plane would be shot down if it entered the airspace near West Berlin.

Khrushchev and the East German leader completely seal off West Berlin and threaten to shoot down any plane that entered the airspace of Berlin. This was obviously done to prevent a second Berlin Airlift.

“What the fuck?! Has Khrushchev completely lost his mind? What on Earth is his end goal here?”

-- President John F. Kennedy’s public utterance in the Oval Office upon hearing the news from Berlin

The justification for this was as follows – West Berlin had been conducting an illegal “human trafficking ring” to get around the existence of the Berlin Wall and the west had been conducting “a campaign of propaganda and subversion” that threatened the very way of life for East Germans.

Khrushchev’s goal was to get the US to release the captured Soviets quietly and drop the accusation that they had supplied weapons to Che’s forces in Latin America. Soviet Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Dobrynin, made that clear to US officials in a meeting that afternoon.

Privately, Khrushchev also stated that he sought to damage Kennedy politically prior to the midterms, so more Republicans would get elected and Kennedy’s domestic agenda would stall, increasing the possibility for his defeat in 1964.

It was an insane plan that risked nuclear war for seemingly petty reasons, but Khrushchev, isolated and victim of an increasingly heavy drinking habit, was committed to it.

The threat caught Washington completely off guard. This was beyond any act of aggression that any Soviet leader had attempted thus far.

Kennedy immediately ordered US armed forces to DEFCON 3 and convened the National Security Council alongside several other advisors in what would become EXCOMM – the Executive Committee of the National Security Council.

Congress immediately granted Kennedy a resolution to take whatever action necessary to defend West Berlin.

After several hours of discussion with EXCOMM, Kennedy went before the American people and gave a speech, reaffirming his commitment to West Berlin and refusing to give in to Khrushchev’s demands.

“Good evening, my fellow citizens. Today, you have heard the proclamation of Nikita Khrushchev that he intends to completely seal off West Berlin from the rest of the world, including preventing the United States from sending aide to our ally, the beacon of freedom that is the enclave of West Berlin.

What you did not hear was his true reasons for doing so. True, he, alongside Walter Ulbricht, gave a public justification for their actions. But this is not the truth.

In truth, Khrushchev seeks to bully the United States to give up our discovery that he has secretly sent arms to radical militia groups in Latin America, including to the international criminal Che Guevara. Rather than admit this to the world, Khrushchev has given us an ultimatum – abandon the truth to protect his reputation or abandon our ally in West Berlin.

On behalf of the people of the United States, I say to Chairman Khrushchev – we do not accept your ultimatum.

We will not turn our backs on the people of West Berlin, nor will we retreat from what we know to be right.

I call upon Chairman Khrushchev to halt and eliminate this senseless, reckless, and provocative threat to world peace and to stable relations between our two nations. And I call upon him to stop this trend of interference in our hemisphere.

We are prepared at any time and through any forum to negotiate fair terms for the release of the Soviet prisoners currently in our care – and they are being treated humanely – as well as for the end to any Soviet arms trade to Latin America.

Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right. Not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved.

-- An except of President John F. Kennedy’s speech to the American people on the evening of October 11th, 1962.

All US forces in West Berlin were ordered inside the city before the borders were sealed and were ordered to be ready in case Soviet forces attempted to make a move.

Meanwhile, an effort was made to provide as many resources as possible by plane before the 24-hour cut-off period began. Arms, ammunition, food, fuel, and more were dropped in the biggest one-day supply drop in American history. Key US diplomats were evacuated.

Supplies would be strictly rationed by the military, as no one could guess how long this blockade would last.

Meanwhile, US and NATO troops began mobilizing on the West/East German border, preparing for the possibility of war. Soviet and East German troops did the same.

Thus far in his Presidency, John F. Kennedy had overseen US involvement in a war, an assassination attempt, internal strife and more.

But the most trying moment of his Presidency had only just begun.

The Turkish Strait Crisis Begins ​

The Jupiter Missiles in Turkey had been a thorn in the side of the Soviet Union.

In the aftermath of the US invasion of Cuba, Khrushchev would often state that he only wished Castro was still in power, so they had an ally capable of providing missiles to as Kennedy had done in Turkey and Italy.

Thus, Khrushchev’s gambit was about to enter its second phase – a naval build up in the Turkish Straits.

On the 14th of October 1962, a large force of ships from the Soviet Navy entered the Aegan Sea, off the coast of Turkey.

Soviet ships anchored themselves within striking distance of major Turkish population centers. Soviet planes began conducting flyover exercises above Turkish cities.

In response, US ships from the 6th Fleet entered the Turkish Straits also, right across from where the Soviets were positioned. They anchored themselves down and began a stand-off.

Khrushchev made an announcement that the Soviet ships would remain until the US removed any and all missiles from Turkey.

Kennedy responded with a public speech a few hours later:

“Rather than entering negotiations, Chairman Khrushchev has engaged in a wanton act of aggression that only serves to escalate the situation. I call on him to enter into negotiations with our diplomats and resolve this situation which threatens the safety of the world.”

Despite Kennedy’s call for negotiation, Khrushchev’s door remained locked to any US diplomat.

For now, it appeared, the stand-off would continue.

Domestic reactions to events in Turkey and Berlin​

In the United States, reactions to the events in Berlin and on the Turkish Straits proved mixed. Many citizens were justifiably terrified by the sharp increase in tensions. Others appreciated President Kennedy’s stern resolve and commitment to seek a negotiated solution.

A small number of military leaders made public statements, the most notable of which was Curtis LeMay, who stated that the United States was fully prepared to “turn the Soviet Union into a smoking mass of rubble and send Khrushchev to hell”. The comment angered President Kennedy greatly.

However, Republicans, who were preparing for the midterm elections, used recent events to attack the President. They criticized the fact he “let” Guevara get off the island of Cuba in the first place, stated that Kennedy did not have Khrushchev’s respect and generally bemoaned his handling of the crisis.

Leading the charge against Kennedy was Richard Nixon, who claimed Kennedy was effectively trying to “beg Khrushchev to the negotiating table, rather than argue from any position of strength”. He also rehashed old criticisms of Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban War, and by letting Che Guevara slip through his fingers, he had thus endangered the world.

Nixon, who was already leading incumbent Governor Pat Brown, saw an even greater increase in his lead. He was approaching a landslide, if the polls were to be believed.

Campaigning on current tensions and the President’s handling of them appeared to be a winning message for Republicans across America, and pundits were predicting huge gains in the upcoming midterms.

This was music to the ears of Khrushchev, who requested regular updates on the state of internal US politics.

However, inside the Politburo, there was near universal displeasure with Khrushchev’s current antics. After a string of failures, he had allowed personal enmity toward Kennedy to cloud his judgement and push the world to the brink of war.

It appeared that the current tension was hurting both men – though how this would proceed was anyone’s guess.

The Man Who Saved the World ​

On the 21st of October, events in Berlin took a turn that would have changed, or perhaps ended, the course of the world as we know it.

In the early hours of the morning, before daybreak, a young Soviet soldier mounted on a watchtower saw US troops in West Germany conducting drills and, mistakenly believing it be the start of an attack, fired a shot that narrowly missed a US soldier.

The soldier raised his weapon and prepared to fire back, only for his platoon leader, Captain Norman Schwarzkopf Jr, to intervene and prevent him from doing so.

The men exchanged glances. Everyone involved knew that they had nearly caused, and diverted, a Third World War.

Schwarzkofp’s split second judgement had perhaps saved the world, and he would be rewarded with a Commendation Medal.

News of the event took several hours to reach President Kennedy, but once it did, it shook the President.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: We’ve just had a report now that two soldiers in Berlin nearly shot eachother. If they had we’d be involved in World War 3 right about now.

SECRETARY RUSK: I don’t see the usefulness…in focusing on what might have been.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: We’re talking about atomic war here, Dean. A bunch of guerrillas in the jungles of Colombia aren’t worth that. And about this Turkish thing…

SECRETARY RUSK: I think we really ought to talk about the political part of this thing, because if we prolong it more than a few days on the basis of the withdrawal of those missiles from Turkey, which is what Khrushchev is after...

GEROGE BALL: The whole thing is political. Khrushchev is trying to make us sweat because he wants to make himself look credible. It’s no secret his leadership is in trouble.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: We can deal with Latin America separately – Che can’t stay hidden forever and once he’s gone, so are we. But this business in Turkey and East Berlin needs to end. When Khrushchev finally agrees to talk, we’ll agree to his terms.

-- A transcript of the EXCOMM meeting on October 21st, 1962.

It would be many years before the details of this meeting were brought to light – the fact that President Kennedy had essentially caved to Khrushchev’s demands was something the US sought to supress until the mid-1990s.

However, what transpired next would change the course of events in the USSR and across the world.

A new leadership​

On the 24th of October 1962, an announcement was made that shocked the world.

Nakita Khrushchev, Chairman of the Soviet Union and leader of the Soviet Union since 1953, was dead.

It was announced publicly that he had died of a heart attack in his sleep a few days prior.

In his place, Leonid Brezhnev was announced as the new First Secretary, and effectively the leader, of the Soviet Union.

Brezhnev announced his intention to engage in negotiations with the Kennedy administration and end the current “culture of hostility”.

Over the course of the following days, Brezhnev explained that the policy of sending Soviet weapons to Latin American leftist guerrillas was strictly the policy of Nakita Khrushchev and a rouge element inside the Soviet system. It was claimed the Politburo knew nothing of the arms sales. The US and its allies did not push or pursue the matter any further. The men being held were released.

In private talks, the US agreed to remove the Jupiter Missiles in Turkey. Meanwhile, the Soviets agreed to stop the sending of arms to Che Guevara’s rebels and lifted the strict lock down on West Berlin.

By October 27th, it was clear that the crisis, later known as The Great Standoff, had passed.

In the decades following the events of October 1962, the truth about Brezhnev’s rise to power would become known.

Nikita Khrushchev had not died of a heart attack. In reality, he had been poisoned. Furthermore, he had died a few days earlier than the Soviet Union would ever admit publicly.

The current crisis was the final straw for members of the Soviet leadership who were sick and tired of Khrushchev. His allies and family members were quietly purged, to little fanfare from the outside world.

In truth, everyone was happy that World War 3 was averted. The internal workings of the Soviet Union were a distant second to that fact.

Nobody had benefited more from the events of October 1962 than had Leonid Brezhnev, who had perfect political cover to conduct a coup, as well as the other members of the troika – the country's Premier, Alexei Kosygin, and the party's Second Secretary, Nikolai Podgorny.

These three men would be the true power in the Soviet Union and they would seek to be different from Khrushchev.

Despite promising an end to the cult of personality, Khrushchev by the end had embodied just that.

Now, it was over.

There was a new leadership in the Soviet Union.

 

[Ogrebear]

These events in Berlin and on the Turkish Straits are dire, and I can see this a defining moment for JFK in later histories.

Brezhnev is going to be interested in JFK's domestic problems though I can see him wanting JFK to have problems as much as Khrushchev. Perhaps Nixon campaign gets caught taking Russian money? That would be a nice irony...

Good on you Schwarzkopf - medal well earned.

Surprised if no one betrays Che now, the amount of cash for his capture esp if its in $$ is going to be worth a shed load at local rates. Maybe throw in a US citizenship to sweetern the deal...?

 

[Watermelon]

Thank you for all these fast updates!!

 

[daymson1492]

Thank you for all these fast updates!!

And they're also really good updates, i think this is one of the best cold war timelines right now

 

[PickledFish]

The midterms approach​

As October came to an end, Republicans were panicked.

They had spent the last few weeks campaigning on Kennedy’s handling of the twin crisis in Berlin and the Turkish Straits.

Yet now those crises were resolved, and President Kennedy had come out the other side looking like a firm, resolute leader in the face of communist aggression.

Worse still, he had faced down Khrushchev and the former Soviet leader had died.

As Bob Newhart famously put it in a televised comedy routine only days before the mid-term elections:

“Khrushchev didn’t have the heart to face Kennedy”.

Though a one-liner in a stand-up routine, it encapsulated the feeling of the American populace well – Kennedy had faced down the Soviet leader and won about the most decisive victory possible, short of victory in a war.

And the glow around President Kennedy extended to down ballot Democrats, if the polling was to be believed – races that were once thought to be solidly tracking Republican were now toss-ups, and vulnerable Democratic incumbents began to look safe once again.

California Governor Pat Brown was one of the beneficiaries of Kennedy’s success.

Richard Nixon had polled consistently ahead of Brown since late August. But that lead was rapidly deteriorating.

The fact that Nixon had spent the last few weeks focusing almost exclusively on President Kennedy’s handling of foreign crises had not helped the situation at all. While Nixon had focused on Kennedy, Pat Brown had hammered away at Richard Nixon.

It appeared that Brown’s criticisms of Nixon as being focused on the President and on foreign affairs had once again been vindicated.

Thus, the Nixon campaign was forced to change tact.

Thankfully for the Nixon campaign, the several weeks of tension had resulted in several demonstrations by anti-war protestors demanding that Kennedy “cease his aggressive action” and work for peace with Khrushchev. Photographs of student protestors with signs saying: “Hands off Latin America!” and “JFK = WARMONGER” were used by the Nixon campaign to show that the communists had infiltrated Californian campuses.

Furthermore, a photo of a college demonstrator holding up a sign of Nixon with Hitler’s mustache and devil ears was circulated by Republican operates. Reminding the voting public of Brown’s gaffe was always a vote winner.

In actual fact, Republican operatives themselves had supplied college students with such signs to use as ammo in Nixon’s campaign against communist infiltration in California.

However, as the midterms approached, the race for California governor was still up in the air.

The 1962 midterm results:​

Senate results:

Alabama: Incumbent Lister Hill (D) defeats James D. Martin (R) (D hold)
Alaska: Incumbent Ernest Gruening (D) defeats Ted Stevens (R) (D hold)
Arizona: Incumbent Carl Hayden (D) defeats Evan Mecham (R) (D hold)
Arkansas: Incumbent J. William Fulbright (D) defeats Kenneth Jones (R) (D hold)
California: Incumbent Thomas H. Kuchel (R) defeats Richard Richards (D) (R hold)
Colorado: Peter H. Dominick defeats incumbent John A. Carroll (R gain from D)
Connecticut: Abraham Ribicoff (D) defeats Horace Seely-Brown, Jr. (R), replacing Prescott Bush (R) (D gain from R)
Florida: Incumbent George Smathers (D) defeats Emerson Rupert (D hold)
Georgia: Incumbent Herman Talmadge runs unopposed, winning re-election (D hold)
Hawaii: Daniel Inouye (D) defeats Ben F. Dillingham (R), replacing Oren E. Long (D hold)
Idaho: Incumbent Frank Church (D) defeats Jack Hawley (R) (D hold)
Idaho (special): Gracie Pfost (D) defeats incumbent Len Jordan (R) (D gain from R)
Illinois: Incumbent Everret Dirksen (R) defeats Sidney R. Yates (R) (R hold)
Indiana: Birch Bayh (D) defeats incumbent Homer E. Capehart (R) (D gain from R)
Iowa: Incumbent Bourke B. Hickenlooper (R) defeats E. B. Smith (D) (R hold)
Kansas: Incumbent Frank Carlson (R) defeats K. L. (Ken) Smith (D) (R hold)
Kansas (special): Incumbent James B. Pearson defeats Paul L. Aylward (D) (R hold)
Kentucky: Thruston B. Morton (R) defeats Wilson W. Wyatt (D) (R hold)
Louisiana: Incumbent Russell B. Long (D) defeats Taylor Walters O'Hearn (R) (D hold)
Maryland: Daniel B. Brewster (D) defeats Edward Tylor Miller (R), replacing John Marshall Butler (R) (D gain from R)
Massachusetts (special): Edward Kennedy D) defeats George C. Lodge (R), replacing Benjamin A. Smith II (D) (D hold)
Missouri: Incumbent Edward V. Long (D) defeats Crosby Kemper (R) (D hold)
Nevada: Incumbent Alan Bible (D) defeats William B. Wright (R) (D hold)
New Hampshire: Incumbent Norris Cotton (R) defeats Alfred Catalfo Jr. (D) (R hold)
New Hampshire (special): Thomas J. McIntyre (D) defeats incumbent Perkins Bass (R) (D gain from R)
New York: Incumbent Jacob Javits (R) defeats James B. Donovan (D) (R hold)
North Carolina: Incumbent Sam Ervine (D) defeats Claude L. Greene Jr. (D hold)
North Dakota: Incumbent Milton R. Young (R) William Lanier (D-NPL) (R hold)
Ohio: Frank J. Lausche (D) defeats John Marshall Briley (R) (D hold)
Oklahoma: Incumbent A. S. Mike Monroney (D) defeats B. Hayden Crawford (R) (D hold)
Oregon: Incumbent Wayne Morse (D) defeats Sig Unander (R) (D hold)
Pennsylvania: Incumbent Joseph S. Clark (D) defeats James E. Van Zandt (R) (D hold)
South Carolina: Olin D. Johnston (D) defeats W. D. Workman Jr. (R) (D hold)
South Dakota: George McGovern (D) defeats incumbent Joseph H. Bottum (R) (D gain from R)
Utah: Wallace F. Bennett (R) defeats Davis S. King (D) (R hold)
Vermont: George D. Aiken (R) defeats W. Robert Johnson Sr. (D) (R hold)
Washington: Warren G. Magnuson (D) defeats Richard G. Christensen (R) (D hold)
Wisconsin: Gaylord A. Nelson (D) defeats incumbent Alexander Wiley (R) (D gain from R)
Wyoming (special): Milward Simpson (R) defeats John J. Hickey (D) (R gain from D)

Overall:
REPUBLICANS: 32 (net change of -5)

DEMOCRATS: 68 (net change of +5)


House results:

Overall:
REPUBLICANS: 180 (no net change)

DEMOCRATS: 255 (net change of -2)

As a result of reapportionment resulting from the 1960 census, the overall number of seats was lowered back down to 435. Thus, this led to Democrats losing two seats in the house due redistricting.

The California Gubernatorial race​

While the midterms were always a big event in the political life of the United States, the California gubernatorial race between incumbent Pat Brown and former Vice President Richard Nixon had taken on a life of its own.

The race had seen many ups and downs over the past few months – Nixon had trailed initially, under the charge that he was merely using the Governorship as a springboard to make another run at the White House.

Nixon was then able to ride the wave of anti-communist sentiment to surge in the polls after writings of Che Guevara were found to have been distributed across college campuses in California.

Finally, the events in Turkey and Berlin had thrown the whole political landscape, and its outcome had benefited Democrats, including Pat Brown.

Come November 6th, 1962, it was anyone’s guess how things would turn out.

The nation watched as results came in.

Nixon’s strategy of doubling down on anti-communism proved successful – reliably conservative areas like Orange County, Mono County, and Alpine County all turned out hard for Richard Nixon. He had successfully soothed tensions with the conservative wing of the California Republican Party who backed Joe Shell.

Meanwhile, it was clear Pat Brown simply did not have the same depth of support with his base than Nixon did – the Governor’s gaffes had seen to that. Counties he had expected to have strong turnout for him under-performed, while some counties expected to be competitive slid toward Nixon.

The race was relatively close, but Brown’s late surge was not enough to close the lead Nixon had developed. It was called in the early hours of November 7th.

In the end, Nixon would claim 50.1% of the vote, while Governor Brown would earn 48.4% of the vote. Furthermore, the Mayor of San Fransisco, George Christopher was elected Lieutenant Governor of California on Nixon's coattails.

The map:

The outgoing Governor spoke first to a cheering crowd:

“Thank you. Thank you. You’re too kind. Thank you. It’s early in the morning yet you all seem to have plenty of energy to burn! [laughs]

I have just called the Governor-elect, Richard Nixon, to congratulate him on his victory. I wish him all the best. I pledge my full support to him as he as he moves forward as the chief executive of the great state of California.

And it is truly a great state. In this campaign and the four years that proceeded it, I have been to every corner of this state – I have met people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. I have seen the generosity and the goodness of spirit possessed by the people of California. It has been the honor of my life to have served as the Governor of this remarkable state.

It was a tough campaign, we gave as good as we got, and we came up short.

I would like to thank all of you who supported me, not only in this campaign but throughout my career as Governor. We can take pride in what we have accomplished these last 4 years.

It was a long night, but now it is time to rest. Thank you all. God bless you all, and God bless the people of California.

Now, get some sleep! [laughs]”

-- Pat Brown’s concession speech, November 7th, 1962

The Governor-elect spoke a short while later, appearing statesmanlike and humble in victory. Rather than a room of supporters, his victory speech was given in front of a press pool.

“Good morning, gentleman.

I have received a very gracious phone call from Governor Brown, congratulating me for winning the election. I spoke with him on the telephone and I felt I might share with you…some of the thoughts I expressed to him.

I expressed to him my congratulations in a hard fought, back-and-forth campaign. He’s a tough campaigner, and this was a tough campaign.

I admire a fighter. And Governor Brown proved that he was a fighter.

I also told him I know exactly how it feels to lose a close one. Have lost a close one two years ago and having won a close one today, I can say this - winning is a lot more fun.

But in all seriousness – it is because we faced such stiff and noble opposition that I will admit now – this is truly, for me, the greatest victory of them all.

For it is only when a man or woman knows defeat, that he or she can come to fully appreciate the great victories.

And my friends, we have won a great victory. And more than winning it for ourselves, we have won it for all the people of California.

Not only that, but we have been told that more people have voted in this election, than in any previous election to decide the Governorship of California.

There can be no greater endorsement of the strength of our system than this fact. When millions of people give their all in battle for a cause they believe in – that is the very essence of democracy. That is very essence of America.

To those who campaigned for and supported Governor Brown - I hope you continue your interest in politics. The state of California has been made better by your involvement in our great political process.

And if I might address the members of the press directly – you have been tough, but fair in your coverage of this race. It generated more coverage than perhaps any other, but to those who work in television, radio, the newspaper industry – you have our sincerest thanks.

And finally, the most importantly, I would like to express my appreciation to our volunteer workers. Your spirit was the lifeblood of this campaign, and the true credit for this victory goes to you.

Thank you.

God bless the state of California and may God bless the United States of America.

-- Governor-elect Richard Nixon’s victory speech, November 7th, 1962

In a year filled with major events, another piece of history had just been made.

Richard Milhous Nixon had risen from the ashes of bitter defeat to claim the Governorship of California.

 

[Deleted member 146578]

Great update! Can't wait for 1963.

 

[PickledFish]

And they're also really good updates, i think this is one of the best cold war timelines right now

Thank you that's incredible praise. I aim to make my updates entertaining, easy to read, and posted as often as possible.

 

[justatron]

I’m guessing Governor Nixon will butterfly away Governor Reagan?

 

[PickledFish]

I’m guessing Governor Nixon will butterfly away Governor Reagan?

My friend, you'll have to see

 

[Ogrebear]

Dammit- Nixon got in again.

At least it was tight- maybe it will flip next time and turf him out...

 

[PickledFish]

The remainder of 1962:​

Compared to the chaos of October 1962, the remainder of the year following the midterms was relatively quiet.

The Republicans were disappointed by the result of the 1962 midterms, however, the one saving grace was that their prodigal son, Richard Nixon, had returned to power as the Governor of California. Whether he liked it or not, he was the de facto leader of the opposition, at least until the 1964 Republican primaries were decided.

The Kennedy Brothers were dismayed that Richard Nixon had risen from the political grave and claimed the Governor’s mansion in Sacramento. They had poured military contracts and money for infrastructure into the state to bolster Governor Brown’s popularity, but it was not enough to stop Tricky Dicky’s smear machine.

Still, the ranks of the liberal faction of the Democratic Party were bolstered in the midterms. As Kennedy would tell aides “I can work with this Congress”.

In late November, President Kennedy received the Laetare Medal by Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, the president of the University of Notre Dame.

On December 12, President Kennedy met with President Jorge Alessandri of Chile to have a working meeting to discuss the Alliance for Progress, as well as efforts to curb left wing guerrilla movements throughout Latin America.

From December 18th through to the 21st – Kennedy traveled to Nassau, The Bahamas, to meet with British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and concludes an agreement on nuclear defense systems that had began in The Falkland Islands.

Christmas, which was always a big event for the White House, was themed in honor of the children of America, It reused ornaments from the previous year, along with brightly wrapped packages, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and, straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftspeople throughout the country.

On December 25th, the President and First Lady attend mass at St. Ann's Church in Palm Beach, Florida. The Kennedy family later held a party for members of the Secret Service and their families.

On the international scene, Kennedy and Brezhnev agreed to host a summit in Vienna in February, to discuss the possibility of a Nuclear Test Ban treaty and other measures that might prevent future conflict between their nations.

True to their words, the missiles in Turkey were removed as promised, while the flow of weapons going to Che Guevara’s guerrillas seemed to stop.

After the retrograde final 2 years of Khrushchev’s leadership, the troika of Leonid Brezhnev, Alexei Kosygin and Nikolai Podgorny focused their attention on the domestic and political situation inside the Soviet Union that the former leader had neglected for far too long.

1962 had been a chaotic year, but 1963 looked to be a year of new beginnings for the Kennedy administration and for the world.

A retrospective on Kennedy’s domestic agenda for 1962​

While foreign affairs had largely dominated the Kennedy Presidency in 1963, Kennedy’s domestic agenda continued to have some successes and some failures.

The Manpower Training and Development Act of 1962 was signed into law on March 15th.

President Kennedy released a statement on the bill:

“I have today signed S. 1991, the "Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962.

The Manpower Development and Training bill, which passed the Congress on Tuesday, is perhaps the most significant legislation in the area of employment since the historic Employment Act of 1946. For this reason, I have acted at the earliest opportunity to sign this measure into law. The new training program will give real meaning to the Act by making possible the training of the hundreds of thousands of workers who are denied employment because they do not possess the skills required by our constantly changing economy. Their training is important both to them as individuals and to the economic health of the entire Nation.

I commend the Congress for the support it has given to this important proposal of the Administration. The Administration will move promptly and vigorously to launch this program. Unemployed workers eligible under the program can expect:

--Up to 52 weeks of training in a skill needed to gain employment.

--Adequate allowances for heads of families to enable them to support their families and devote full attention to the task of acquiring new skills.

--Thorough guidance and assistance from the United States Employment Service in helping them to choose the kind of work for which they are best suited and a concerted effort to help assure that a suitable job rewards their initiative.

This far-reaching bill not only addresses itself to the problems of the present but requires us to anticipate future needs as employment conditions change. This is the first in a series of needed employment programs and I am hopeful that all of the measures necessary for achieving a high and stable level of employment, recommended by this Administration, will be available to the federal Government in the near future.

Our success in fulfilling our world responsibilities rests upon the success of our efforts to maintain a strong and flexible economy at home. This act will make a significant contribution to these efforts.”

The Youth Employment Opportunities Act of 1962 was signed into law on May 17th, which offered additional training to young people and school-leavers. Unfortunately, Kennedy's lofty proposal of a "Domestic Peace Corps" failed to be included in this bill.

On October 11th, 1962, the Postal Service and Federal Employees Salary Act of 1962 was signed into law by President Kennedy, who released a statement following its passage:

“I am delighted to approve H.R. 7927, which is a bill adjusting postal rates, reforming Federal white-collar statutory salary systems, and establishing a standard for adjusting annuities under the Civil Service Retirement Act.

The new postal rates will yield on an annual basis about $600 million of new postal revenues. This is consistent with the fiscal principles I have advocated and is an important step toward a self-sustaining postal system and toward a substantial reduction in the postal deficit.

The new pay legislation is the most comprehensive and significant salary revision in nearly 40 years. It establishes for the first time a basic salary policy, a method for annual review and updating of salaries, coordination among major statutory salary systems, and broad reforms and increased flexibilities under the Classification Act.

It is not merely a salary-increase statute. It furnishes a foundation for adjusting and continuously maintaining Federal salaries comparable to levels of equal difficulty and responsibility in private enterprise. Ultimately it will permit us to prevent large scale attrition of Government employees due to more attractive private industry salaries. At the same time, it should not have an unsettling effect on private enterprise salary rates. By helping to reduce turnover, by attracting more capable people into the Federal service, and by improving employee morale, this legislation will make an important contribution to increased productivity.

The provision of higher salaries for Federal employees and the plan to maintain these salaries at a level comparable to the salaries paid in the private economy places an added obligation upon Federal managers to make certain that the Government's business is carried on with the minimum number of personnel. To this end I am separately issuing to all Departments and agencies of the executive branch a memorandum which will set forth a program to achieve better manpower controls and utilization.

This legislation also establishes objective standards for adjusting annuities payable in the future under the Civil Service Retirement Act. This is a long overdue reform.

As Congress recognized in enacting this legislation, a number of items now require further attention, and I am instructing the executive agencies to pursue these matters promptly. Of first priorities for the executive branch are completion of the partial adjustment in the top career salaries made by the Congress and the pay revision of the highest executive salaries, so that sound relationships among all pay levels are achieved. In this connection, I believe that corresponding reforms in salary structure are desirable in the congressional and judicial branches of Government and should be accomplished early in the next Congress.

I want to express my appreciation to all the Members of the House and Senate who were involved. Some of those who were most active are here today. We are also glad to have 'represented today the leaders of many of the organizations which help serve the interests of the employees of the Federal Government. I think that because the power to strike is denied, quite properly, to Federal employees, I think it is most important that we recognize our responsibility, the Congress and the Executive, to them.

As I said, as these salaries become more in keeping with the salaries in private industry, it is also important that we maintain a comparable rate of productivity increase possible to the extent that Government work permits. I hope that the statement we issue later in the day will stimulate action by responsible officials in the National Government.”

However, only hours after its passage, Khrushchev announced the close of the Berlin Wall, which dominated media attention.

Without question, the crown jewel of the President’s domestic agenda for 1962 was The Servicemen's Readjustment and Protection Act of 1962. By the end of 1962, it was already becoming clear that the act had provided quality housing and education to hundreds of thousands of returning veterans, including many African American and minority families who would have otherwise been denied such necessities. Not only that, but veterans of previous wars who had not claimed benefits before 1956 were eligible also. The legislation was already seeing considerable success.

Still, Kennedy’s other proposals, including a tax cut, health insurance for the elderly, civil rights legislation and his more ambitious programs failed to gain any traction.

With a new, more friendly Congress on the horizon, Kennedy hoped that he could more success in the coming year.

 

[Ogrebear]

Nice year roundup- 1962 was a busy one.

Wonder if JFK could be persuaded to link NASA’s budget as a % of GDP therefore removing the back and forth negotiations and letting them get on with their work?

How’s computing developing?

No unsuccessful Dallas trips in 63 please!

 

[PickledFish]

Wonder if JFK could be persuaded to link NASA’s budget as a % of GDP therefore removing the back and forth negotiations and letting them get on with their work?

This is an interesting idea! Perhaps something for Kennedy's re-election

How’s computing developing?

I'll make an update dedicated to this in a future update, if you like.

 

[PickledFish]

1962 in politics around the world​

1962 proved to be a time of major change in global affairs.


The United Kingdom

Harold Macmillan’s popularity is in decline after a series of losses in by-elections to members of the Liberal Party. Following a period of dissatisfaction with Macmillan’s economic management, he carried out a major cabinet reshuffle that was unprecedented in its size and the speed at which it was executed. Seven ministers were ousted and replaced, including Lord Chancellor, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Minister of Education, Minister of Defence.

This event would unfavourably come to be called ‘The Night of Long Knives’ a reference to the actions carried out in Nazi Germany. It was viewed as cynical, opportunistic and a desperate by the opposition, general public and even a large segment of the Conservative Party.

Macmillan’s leadership was in question and 1963 would make or break the incumbent conservative government.


Israel

In February 1962, the Israeli Government undertook a program of liberalization which includes a large devaluation of the lira (Israel's currency) and the cancellation of subsidies on basic commodities lead to inflation and a rise of the deficit in the balance of trade.

Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was executed by hanging on May 31st, 1962.

President Kennedy made the choice to begin selling missiles to Israel over concerns about their security.



France

Kennedy's visit to France did much to mend relations between the two countries after diagreement over the invasion of Cuba.

At the French legislative election in 1962 the Union for the New Republic (UNR) grouped with the Gaullist Democratic Union of Labour (UDT) to form the UNR-UDT. They won 233 seats out of 482. However, this was slightly less than what was required for an absolute majority. Thus, 35 Independent Republicans boosted their support.

Many within the French political system criticised the amount of power possessed by French President Charles du Gaulle and the left-wing opposition saw gains made, however Gaullism remained the dominant force in French politics.

Georges Pompidou remained Prime Minister following the election.


Australia

The new Labor Governor under Prime Minister Arthur Calwell introduced a number of reforms including an increase the child endowment and old age pension, the introduction of a Social Service Appeals Tribunal, the creation of a Ministry of Education and Science, a commission to inquire into secondary, technical and primary education, an increase in grants to the states to improve hospitals, as well as subsidies for country medical and nursing services.

However, some of the more ambitious programs like a National Health Service and National Hospital Service remained out of reach due to the razor thin majority possessed by the incumbent government.


The People’s Republic of China

The Seven Thousand Cadres Conference occurred in 1962, which saw over 7,000 party officials discuss the consequences of the Great Leap Forward, which saw the deaths of tens of millions of people due to famine. Chairman Mao was self-critical during the conference and differences between himself, Liu Shaoqi, and Deng Xiaoping.

Relations between the PRC and Soviet Union remained strained through most of the year, however the death of Khrushchev and the rise of new leadership leaves hope for better relations between the two nations.

The Soviet Union

The Soviet Union saw perhaps the biggest, most radical change of any major nation in the year 1962 – the ousting of Khrushchev and the appointment of Leonid Brezhnev as the new de facto leader of the Soviet Union. However, while Brezhnev was the public face of the Soviet Union, power would be shared amongst two others Alexei Kosygin and Nikolai Podgorny.

Brezhnev’s focus at this stage if firmly on domestic stability and he has abandoned Khrushchev’s vendetta against Kennedy. However, goals such as the race to the moon have been kept.


The Free Republic of Cuba

The Free Republic of Cuba is now operating as (officially) as an independent nation, but is largely regarded as a protectorate of the United States of America. The new provisional government is operating but its main priority now is gaining credibility amongst the people.

A military force, the Free Cuban Army, operates alongside the small number of remaining US military personnel to destroy the last remnants of Castro’s support.

The trial of Fidel Castro is scheduled to start at the beginning of 1963.

 

[Ogrebear]

Nice global round up there- thank you.

 

[PickledFish]

Pop culture in 1962 ​

In a nutshell:

The year began with the American people evolved in a jingoistic fever from success during the Cuban War. However, as the year went on a successful conquest of Cuba turned into a slog in Colombia and Panama, as well as The Great Standoff in Turkey and Berlin, the American people began to tire of conflict.

As such, many Americans looked for an escape into pop culture and positive media.


War weariness

One thing was clear – the danger of Cold War era conflict had reached new heights in 1962 and the American people wanted an escape. Escapist fiction came into vouge this year as many Americans wanted to imagine a world at peace, free from the conflict they saw in their daily lives and on television.


Notable television events:

The midterms were a major television event in 1962 – in particular, the race between Governor Pat Brown and former Vice President Richard Nixon draw considerable attention – the audience hung on the words of both men as they made televised speeches.

Coverage of the various international crises was widespread, but one program that received praise was the CBS Evening News, hosted by newly appointed anchor-man Walter Cronkite. Cronkite’s effective reporting, calm attitude in reporting stressful events and sincerity led to him being commonly referred to as “the most trusted man in America”.

Comedy shows on television also grew in popularity, given the American public’s desire for lighter material in the wake of so much violence on their television screens.



Top rated television shows in 1962:

1. The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS)
2. The Red Skelton Show (CBS)
3. Candid Camera (CBS)
4. Bonanza (NBC)
5. The Lucy Show (CBS)
6. Ben Casey (ABC)
7. The Andy Griffith Show (CBS)
8. The Danny Thomas Show (CBS)
9. The Dick Van Dyke Show (CBS)
10. What’s My Line? (CBS)

Top films of 1962:

Rank	Title	Studio	Box-office gross rental
1	The Music Man	Warner Bros.	$17,100,000
2	Lawrence of Arabia	Columbia Pictures	$14,700,000
3	The Longest Day	20th Century Fox	$14,200,00
4	That Touch of Mink	Universal Pictures	$10,570,000
5	To Kill a Mockingbird	Universal Pictures	$8,900,00
6	In Search of the Castaways	Walt Disney/Buena Vista Distribution	$7,900,000
7	Hatari!	Paramount Pictures	$7,000,000
8	Gypsy	Warner Bros.	$6,000,000
10	The Interns	Columbia Pictures	$5,250,000

The American audience’s appetite for lighter, escapist films led to the success of The Music Man and That Touch of Mink. The war epic “The Longest Day” was expected to dominate at the box office but under-performed.



Time’s Man of the Year

Leonid Brezhnev

 

[PickledFish]

If anyone's curious what Ronald Reagan is up to after the success of The New Rough Riders, he's parlayed that success into a number of guest starring roles on major television programs. He spent most of the year campaigning hard for Nixon, however. The TV appearances are largely busy work by comparison.

 

[PickledFish]

New beginnings in a new year ​

As 1963 began, Kennedy made a few changes to his cabinet.

W. Willard Wirtz, who had served as Labor Secretary after Goldberg was appointed to the Supreme Court, would stay on the job.

Abraham Ribicoff, Kennedy’s former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare was now the junior Senator from Connecticut.

Ivan A. Nestingen had served ably in his place since Ribicoff’s departure, but Kennedy wanted a new, more recognisable face in the role – The outgoing Governor of California, Pat Brown.

Brown was an extremely capable executive and all of Kennedy’s top advisors approved of the choice.

Nestingen would receive an Ambassadorship for his troubles – He could be the next US Ambassador to Iceland.

In another change, Kennedy announced his intention to appoint his good friend James Roosevelt Jr to the post of Secretary for the Navy. Roosevelt was a long-time friend to the President and spent a considerable amount of time socializing at the White House. Secretary Nitze had no objections to this.

President Kennedy also announced the appointment of David L. Lawrence as Chairman of the President's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing, and Phil N. Bornstein as Federal Housing Commissioner.

In general, the mood around the White House was positive – Kennedy’s health was as good as it had ever been, thanks to his doctors getting his treatments down to an exact science. There was even talk that he may no longer need his back brace.

President Kennedy also made another decision – his Vice President, Stuart Symington, had been perhaps the most active and involved in the nation’s history.

Kennedy thought then, it stood to reason he should have his own formal staff.

Vice President Symington first decided to make official the post of Chief of Staff to the Vice President.

He found having such a person helped him as Secretary of the Airforce, and he felt it would help him.

Symington brought back John R. Steelman, who had previously served as a chief advisor to Harry Truman, to be his own Chief-of-Staff.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, an executive assistant in the Labor Department who the Vice President had met and been impressed by, would be his Deputy Chief-of-Staff.

Symington would also have his own policy and national security advisors.

Symington’s policy advisor would be Howard C. Petersen (another Truman White veteran), while his personal national security advisor would be Henry Kissinger, who had done troubleshooting for the Kennedy administration on various issues in the past.

As a result of many Truman appointees making up his staff, Republicans in Congress began referring to Symington as “Harry Twoman”.

Still, the Vice President having his own staff showed the faith Kennedy had in him, and also showed the President had one eye on 1968.

But before that, they had to get through 1963 first.

State of the Union 1963​

On January 14th, John F. Kennedy gave his 3rd State of the Union Address:

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 88th Congress:

I congratulate you all--not merely on your electoral victory but on your selected role in history. For you and I are privileged to serve the great Republic in what could be the most decisive decade in its long history. The choices we make, for good or ill, may well shape the state of the Union for generations yet to come.

Little more than 100 weeks ago I assumed the office of President of the United States. In seeking the help of the Congress and our countrymen, I pledged no easy answers. I pledged--and asked--only toil and dedication. These the Congress and the people have given in good measure. And today, having witnessed in recent months a heightened respect for our national purpose and power--having seen the courageous calm of a united people in a perilous hour-and having observed a steady improvement in the opportunities and well-being of our citizens--I can report to you that the state of this old but youthful Union, in the 175th year of its life, is good.

In the world beyond our borders, steady progress has been made in building a world of order. The people of West Berlin remain both free and secure. A settlement, though still precarious, has been reached in Laos. The new, free society in Cuba is developing and Castro will soon face justice for his crimes. And the end of agony in Latin America may soon be at hand as we are closer than ever before to tracking down and eliminating Che Guevara.

At home, the recession is behind us. Well over a million more men and women are working today than were working 2 years ago. The average factory workweek is once again more than 40 hours; our industries are turning out more goods than ever before; and more than half of the manufacturing capacity that lay silent and wasted 100 weeks ago is humming with activity.

In short, both at home and abroad, there may now be a temptation to relax. For the road has been long, the burden heavy, and the pace consistently urgent.

But we cannot be satisfied to rest here. This is the side of the hill, not the top. The mere absence of war is not peace. The mere absence of recession is not growth. We have made a beginning--but we have only begun.

Now the time has come to make the most of our gains--to translate the renewal of our national strength into the achievement of our national purpose, and to codify peace in the modern world.

Kennedy called on Congress to pass tax reform as the most important domestic goal of his Presidency - a tax cut.

1. The current personal tax rate ranges from between 20 and 91 percent. The President suggests that it should be lowered, so as to range between 14% to 65% percent.
2. Reducing corporate tax rates, from 52% to 47%.

Alternative measures to improve the economy:

1. “-No doubt a massive increase in Federal spending could also create jobs and growth-but, in today's setting, private consumers, employers, and investors should be given a full opportunity first.
2. --No doubt a temporary tax cut could provide a spur to our economy--but a long run problem compels a long-run solution.
3. --No doubt a reduction in either individual or corporation taxes alone would be of great help--but corporations need customers and job seekers need jobs.
4. --No doubt tax reduction without reform would sound simpler and more attractive to many--but our growth is also hampered by a host of tax inequities and special preferences which have distorted the flow of investment.
5. --And, finally, there are no doubt some who would prefer to put off a tax cut in the hope that ultimately an end to the cold war would make possible an equivalent cut in expenditures-but that end is not in view and to wait for it would be costly and self-defeating.”

Kennedy would then touch upon another goal of his administration - addressing poverty:

“Tax reduction alone, however, is not enough to strengthen our society, to provide opportunities for the four million Americans who are born every year, to improve the lives of 32 million Americans who live on the outskirts of poverty.

The quality of American life must keep pace with the quantity of American goods.

This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.

Therefore, by holding down the budgetary cost of existing programs to keep within the limitations I have set, it is both possible and imperative to adopt other new measures that we cannot afford to postpone.”

Kennedy outlines his domestic agenda for 1963 in 4 distinct categories:

Invest in America’s youth:

1. Kennedy congratulates the Congress on the passage of the The Youth Employment Opportunities Act of 1962, which promises to train one million young people currently out of work or without qualifications
2. Increase the number of American graduating high school à 4 of every 10 students does not complete high school. Kennedy proposes education reform to address this.
3. The creation of a domestic Peace Corps at home, similar to the one that exists currently that addresses foreign concerns

Safeguarding America’s health:

1. Working men and women should contribute now to their own retirement health program through the Social Security System, rather than relying on charity
2. Must over the next 10 years increase the capacity of our medical schools by 50% and our dental schools by 100%
3. Reduction in “incidents of metal retardation” and a change in the system of “abandonment of the mentally ill and the mentally retarded to the grim mercy of custodial institution”

Strengthening the nation through the provision of basic rights

1. The right to competent counsel to every man accused of crime in Federal court, regardless of his means.
2. The right to vote be available to every man and woman in America who is of voting age and who holds citizenship, regardless of background

Making the most America’s facilities and natural resources

1. The creation of a Department of Transportation, to facilitate a more modern, economical choice of national transportation service through increased competition and decreased regulation. Also, federal stimulation and assistance to local mass transit, to relieve congestion in America’s cities.
2. The continued support of farm income and the disposal of the excess stockpiled goods in ways which will not cause market disruption.
3. Plans and provisions for the expansion of America’s national parks

On the topic of foreign affairs, Kennedy directly addressed the number of foreign crisis and conflicts that had sprung up over his past 2 years as President:

“These past two years has seen unprecedented conflict and jockeying for global supremacy in the nuclear age. But we in the United States do not seek war or domination – the events of last October prove the fragility of our planet when the two economic superpowers aim nuclear weapons that threaten destruction on a global scale.

Thus, I am calling for the nations of the world – across Asia, Europe and elsewhere, to come together in a summit that establishes a stable consensus in the modern world. We must come together to limit nuclear testing, negotiate our differences, and do all we can to avoid bloodshed. The spectre of a Third World War is too frightening for mankind to bare, and it is up to our generation to be the one to set the world on a course away from global conflict.

That does not mean we ignore the very real differences that exist or accept the prevalence of evil when we have the power to challenge it. But we must also recognise that nuclear Armageddon is an unacceptable outcome and anything less than our full effort to avoid it is not enough.

It is not utopia I am suggesting, but a stable consensus on the running of world affairs that affirms a relative global peace.”

Kennedy would then reaffirm his commitment to making America’s defenses the strongest in the world:

“However, until world peace is within reach, we cannot remain idle or ignorant of the fact we have adversaries. This country, therefore, continues to require the best defense in the world--a defense which is suited to the sixties. This means, unfortunately, a rising defense budget-for there is no substitute for adequate defense, and no "bargain basement" way of achieving it. It means the expenditure of more than $15 billion this year on nuclear weapons systems alone, a sum which is about equal to the combined defense budgets of our European Allies.

But it also means improved air and missile defenses, improved civil defense, a strengthened anti-guerrilla capacity and, of prime importance, more powerful and flexible nonnuclear forces. For threats of massive retaliation may not deter piecemeal aggression-and a line of destroyers in a quarantine, or a division of well-equipped men on a border, may be more useful to our real security than the multiplication of awesome weapons beyond all rational need.

But our commitment to national safety is not a commitment to expand our military establishment indefinitely. We do not dismiss disarmament as merely an idle dream. For we believe that, in the end, it is the only way to assure the security of all without impairing the interests of any. Nor do we mistake honorable negotiation for appeasement. While we shall never weary in the defense of freedom, neither shall we ever abandon the pursuit of peace.”

Kennedy concluded with a positive message, reflective of the general sense of optimism present among the American public:

“My friends: I close on a note of hope. We are not lulled by the momentary calm of the sea or the somewhat clearer skies above. We know the turbulence that lies below, and the storms that are beyond the horizon this year. But now the winds of change appear to be blowing more strongly than ever, in the world of communism as well as our own. For 175 years we have sailed with those winds at our back, and with the tides of human freedom in our favor. We steer our ship with hope, as Thomas Jefferson said, "leaving Fear astern."

Today we still welcome those winds of change--and we have every reason to believe that our tide is running strong. With thanks to Almighty God for seeing us through a perilous passage, we ask His help anew in guiding the "Good Ship Union."

With that, Kennedy had completed his 3rd State of the Union Address.

Kennedy fires LeMay ​

As January came to an end, John F. Kennedy decided to make another change to his staff that would prove controversial – he suggested that Curtis LeMay should “make the choice to retire”. When LeMay refused, Kennedy fired him.

LeMay’s statement during the height of The Great Standoff had angered Kennedy greatly. During a complex and dangerous flashpoint in the Cold War, LeMay had tried to push the United States into war and that was a mistake that Kennedy could not forgive.

Before making the decision, Kennedy had consulted with former President Truman and asked about Truman’s own decision to fire General MacArthur during the Korean War – the nation’s 33rd President stated he had no regrets about doing so, as he was the President it was his job to make difficult decisions, whether they were popular or not.

In a press conference, President Kennedy responded to a question on his decision to fire LeMay:

“On my authority as commander-in-chief, I have relieved General Curtis LeMay of his responsibilities as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. My decision was not based on any one single event, but on a series of incidents stretching back since I entered this office. From the conflict in Cuba, through to events in Berlin and Turkey last October, LaMay has continually undermined the goals, objectives and decisions of the United States Government.

It would be wrong of me however, if I did not note that we have benefited immensely from his years of service in the Air Force and Army Air Corps. He will forever be regarded as a leader and pioneer in the application of American airpower as it relates to our national defense.

I have appointed General Bernard Schriever to succeed him in the position of Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.”

-- President John F. Kennedy at a press conference the 31st of January 1963.

Following LeMay's dismissal, many unfavorably made the comparison to Truman’s decision to fire Douglas MacArthur.

Republicans were outraged at the dismissal of a figure so beloved in their circles. Governor Nixon stated that Kennedy’s decision “was in an insult to a great man and damaging to the national psyche”. He invited LaMay to come to Los Angeles for a “Victory Parade” following what he referred to as “LeMay’s critical involvement in our success in Cuba, Turkey and Berlin”.

With the election about 18 months away, Kennedy was well aware that he had created ammo for the Republican Party. But that didn’t matter – the good of the nation had to come first.

 

[daymson1492]

Good update, Kennedy Administration going well, vietnam coming up soon so im worried about that.
Glad to know LeMay is gone.
Also, you're really good at writing these speeches and press conferences.