In the given quote, Theodore White describes a scene where supporters of John F. Kennedy's campaign travel on buses or planes during the night, singing songs they have created about Richard Nixon and the Republicans. These travelers sing along with Kennedy’s staff, expressing their unity and shared enthusiasm for Kennedy’s vision of the future.
This excerpt captures the spirit of political engagement and camaraderie that characterized Kennedy’s supporters during his 1960 presidential campaign. The reference to singing “songs of their own composition” about Nixon highlights a sense of creativity and dedication among these individuals, who felt they were part of something greater than themselves—akin to soldiers marching for a noble cause. By mentioning the phrase "New Frontier," White alludes to Kennedy's vision of America’s future, which emphasized innovation, progress, and boldness in addressing national challenges. This unity and sense of purpose illustrate the powerful impact that presidential candidates can have on their supporters by inspiring them with a compelling message.
Theodore White was an influential American journalist and author best known for his books about China and U.S. politics, including "The Making of the President" series. His work provided detailed analyses of political campaigns and offered insights into the workings of government. The quote comes from his book “The Making of the President 1960,” which chronicled Kennedy’s campaign and victory over Richard Nixon in that historic election year.
