Kennedy, John F. Original 1960 Presidential campaign speech, 10 ½ pages (8 ½ x 11 in.; 216 x 279 mm.), "Dallas, Texas / Septe...

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Kennedy, John F. Original 1960 Presidential campaign speech, 10 ½ pages (8 ½ x 11 in.; 216 x 279 mm.), "Dallas, Texas / September 13 1960". Kennedy, John F. Original 1960 Presidential campaign speech, 10 ½ pages (8 ½ x 11 in.; 216 x 279 mm.), "Dallas, Texas / September 13 1960". With two handwritten corrections penned in an unknown hand. In this campaign speech delivered at Memorial Auditorium in Dallas, Texas, 13 September 1960, two years before the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK discusses his views on how to deal with Khrushchev and the Soviet Union. General toning and wrinkling with chipping on edges. John F. Kennedy original Cold War Presidential campaign speech delivered in Dallas, Texas 13 September 1960 - just over three years later, the President would be shot while traveling the same motor route. Senator Kennedy reads in part: "In a few days, our shores will be visited by the head of the Soviet Union. His voice will be heard in the United Nations --- but his eyes will be fixed on the United States. What kind of nation will Mr. Khrushchev see? What kind of nation do we want him to see? What will impress him? What will cause him to change his ways, either now or in the future? Some say it will be our arguments. They say that this election is to pick a man who can stand up to Khrushchev in debate. They say that experience in arguments and debates is all we need in the White House. But I suggest to you that more than this will be necessary to impress Mr. Khrushchev. He has engaged in many arguments. He has taken part in many debates. He has exchanged threats and insults with the best of them. But he continues to move ahead - to probe the weaknesses of the West - to exploit chaos and disorder - and to strengthen and expand the influence of the Communist system. Aided by the Chinese Reds, he penetrated deeper into the Middle East. And no amount of tough talk or skillful debate is going to slow him down. Others say that our propaganda will deter Mr. Khrushchev. If we keep saying we are assured of our continued military lead - if we keep saying that our economic growth is superior - if we keep saying that we are first in space and science and research - then, according to this view, Mr. Khrushchev and all the world will be convinced. If the skeptics and critics will only keep quiet, we are told, it will be obvious that our system, not theirs, represents the wave of the future. But I suggest to you that saying it is so doesn't make it so. Mr. Khrushchev knows, and all the world knows, that the first vehicle in space was called Sputnik, not Vanguard. The first country to place its national emblem on the moon was Russia, not America. The first passengers to return safely from a trip through space were named Strelka and Belka, not Rover or Fido. They know that Russia has a rate of economic growth more than twice as fast as ours. They know that Russia is turning out scientists and engineers at twice the rate we do. An if they know it, the American people are entitled to know why. The facts of the matter are that arguments are not enough to stop Mr. Khrushchev - and propaganda is not enough - and self-contentment is not enough. There is only one thing in the world that will impress the Russians and the Chinese. And that is a strong America. There is only one kind of America which can keep the peace for all mankind. And that is a strong America. And there is only one objective above all others for which I would strive as President of the United States. And that is a strong America. Whatever Mr. Khrushchev may try, whatever he may say, our answer is a stronger America. Our answer may be found inscribed high on the wall of the House Chamber in the Nation's Capitol, behind the desk where Sam Rayburn presides as a genuine symbol of national unity and strength - an inscription which contains this message to all Americans in 1960: 'Let us develop the resources of this land; call forth its powers; build up its institutions; provide all its great interests; and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.'" Excellent subject matter from Kennedy concerning the strong U.S. posture that he would exemplify when facing off with Khrushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis October 16-28, 1962. On September 13, 1960 Presidential candidate Kennedy was riding in a convertible with his running mate, Senator Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas. At that time they were traveling east, from Dealey Plaza, on their way to Memorial Auditorium. There, Kennedy delivered this speech at the same spot where his Republican rival, Richard Nixon, gave an address less than 24 hours earlier. As fate would have it, Dallas would be the city where, in November 22, 1963, Kennedy, riding in an open-air Lincoln Continental with his wife and Governor and Mrs. John Connally, drove west towards Dealey Plaza where bullets fired from the Texas School Book Depository would end his life.