The Making of a Catholic President

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The 1960 presidential election, ultimately won by John F. Kennedy, was one of the closest and most contentious in American history. As the first Roman Catholic candidate for president, Kennedy faced significant challenges, particularly due to the historical context of Al Smith's defeat in 1928. Kennedy recognized that his faith could hinder his path to the White House and was frustrated by the potential impact of his religious beliefs. In this exploration, Shaun Casey reveals how the Kennedy campaign turned the "religion question" from a liability into an asset, making him the first Catholic president. Drawing on extensive archival research, including previously unseen documents, Casey provides an inside look at Kennedy's advisors—Ted Sorensen, John Kenneth Galbraith, and Archibald Cox—as they navigated opposition to his Catholicism. The book also uncovers the Nixon campaign's efforts to exploit anti-Catholic sentiment, aided by figures like Billy Graham and the National Association of Evangelicals, which contributed to the rise of the Religious Right. This account sheds light on a pivotal election and the complex relationship between religion and politics, offering insights relevant to today's political landscape, where religious beliefs are increasingly significant.