Longtime journalist and famous TV anchor Chris Wallace feverishly winds down the days of JFK’s election campaign in Countdown 1960: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the 312 Days that Changed America’s Politics Forever. His aim is not to dig up any new sources (who could possibly achieve that with Kennedy?) but to dramatize the entire campaign. He gives equal time to the charismatic driven Kennedy and his similarly driven, pugnacious rival, Republican Richard Nixon. It is no secret that the election was as tight as the 2000 Bush-Gore one and Wallace atmospherically captures the highs and lows of both campaigns in thrilling fashion. By exploring major facets of the campaigns and the various bit players, Wallace’s account hikes up the tension, and the climax is a wonderful release. During the nigh unbelievable days of the 2024 election, Countdown 1960 atmospherically highlights the rollercoaster nature of democracy and that is no bad thing.
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