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Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-OWH-01
In this interview Hill discusses working on John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] 1960 presidential campaign; the negative reaction to Lyndon B. Johnson as the vice-presidential candidate in the South and among African-Americans; difficulties for the Southern operations of the JFK campaign; getting the African-American vote in the South for JFK in the 1960 election; working with and around different civil rights groups and leaders in the 1960 campaign; other campaign staff members at the federal and state levels; attempts to solve the problem of discrimination in housing during JFK’s Administration; the Federal Housing Administration, including staff and directives and projects in the South; the President’s Committee on Equal Opportunities in Housing; and the 1962 executive order in housing, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-DSH-01
Hewitt discusses his first impressions of President Kennedy, the televised Kennedy-Nixon debates, the Warren Commission, and Civil Rights legislation, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-JHH-01
In this interview Herling discusses John F. Kennedy [JFK] as part of the House Labor Committee headed by Andrew Jacobs; JFK’s understanding of labor issues; Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] and JFK as part of the McClellan Committee [U.S. Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management]; RFK’s dinner with Edward Cheyfitz and James Hoffa and the attempted infiltration of the McClellan Committee; McClellan Committee hearings; George Meany testifying before the subcommittee on labor affairs of the Senate Labor and Education Committee and JFK’s reaction; labor unions’ support for JFK in the 1960 presidential campaign; the 1960 Democratic National Convention; Lyndon B. Johnson asking for labor support right before the 1960 Convention; the negative reaction to Johnson as the vice-presidential candidate from labor delegates; JFK and the Landum-Griffin Bill; and covering JFK’s 1960 campaign, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-LRC-01
Collins discusses the 1960 Democratic National Convention, John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and relationship with the South, and the broadcasting industry’s fight for free access to information for use in broadcasting, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-OLF-02
Freeman discusses the USDA’s role in feeding the poor and John F. Kennedy’s stance on agriculture, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RFK-03
In this interview Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] discusses the 1962 steel crisis; some major issues and accomplishments of John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] presidency; choosing the U.S. Ambassador to Russia; foreign aid and treaties; the military coup in Peru; the space race during the Kennedy Administration; the 1962 congressional and gubernatorial campaigns; JFK’s dinner for the Nobel Prize winners; the Polaris submarines; problems with the New York Herald Tribune; New York politics; various pieces of federal legislation, 1961–1963; the Dominican Republic; Department of Justice investigations under RFK; the difficulties of being Attorney General; congressional issues in early 1963; the Vietnam War escalation in 1963; American support of the coup in Vietnam; Henry Cabot Lodge as the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; the prisoners from the Bay of Pigs invasion; American actions in Cuba; unemployment and civil rights; RFK’s meeting with James Baldwin; JFK’s trips to the South and speeches on civil rights; the nuclear test ban treaty; and JFK’s trip to Ireland and Rome, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RFK-02
In this interview Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] discusses the 1961 Berlin crisis; American forces, military and diplomatic, in Germany; John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] recommendation for Americans to have fallout shelters; nuclear testing; problems with the Department of State; the start of the conflict in Vietnam, 1961; the Department of Justice under RFK and organized crime; RFK’s difficult relationship with J. Edgar Hoover; the wiretapping bill; new federal judgeships in 1961 and other presidential appointments; the Alliance for Progress; Red China; crises during JFK’s presidency and how he was an optimist; RFK’s move for an income tax increase during the Berlin crisis; RFK’s disagreements with President JFK; indecisiveness over picking JFK’s running mate, 1960; the missile gap; fighting and UN operations in the Congo; Nikita S. Khrushchev’s speeches; RFK’s 1962 trip to Japan, Indonesia, Germany, and other countries; the release of Allen L. Pope; Dutch disputes in Southeast Asia; the 1961 crisis in the Dominican Republic and the assassination of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina; the 1962 disarmament conference in Geneva; Edward M. Kennedy’s 1962 campaign for U.S. Senate; the Kennedy family national and political reputation; the Justice Department under RFK and civil rights; and the 1962 steel crisis, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-CUD-01
Daly discusses his role as a congressional liaison, staffing issues, congressional reform, civil rights, and President John F. Kennedy’s personal friendships, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-LEM-01
In this interview Martin discusses joining John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] 1960 presidential campaign and his role, including working with other campaign staff members; JFK and civil rights; using the issue of civil rights in the campaign; African-American leadership and the Democratic Party in the 1960 campaign; getting civil rights leaders involved in the 1960 campaign; and the National Conference on Constitutional Rights, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-HHW-02
Wilson discusses his role as a member of John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] staff, including descriptions of other staff members and his interactions with them. He also covers JFK’s relationship with Congress, various legislative bills, and his thoughts on Lyndon B. Johnson, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-TGW-01
In this interview Wicker discusses early impressions of John F. Kennedy [JFK], 1952–1961; Lyndon B. Johnson campaigning for JFK in the South, 1960; Richard M. Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge’s 1960 presidential campaign; JFK and Johnson in the August 1960 special session of Congress; Wicker’s first interview with President JFK for the New York Times, 1961; building a rapport with JFK’s staff; various Times articles, by Wicker and others, about the Kennedy Administration and White House reactions to them; Wicker’s arguments with Pierre E.G. Salinger over certain articles; year-end briefings in Palm Beach; and President JFK’s press conferences, among other issues.
Sound recording
Edward M. Kennedy Senate Files
EMKSEN-AU0007-016-015
Sound recording of the radio program "Face Off." Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy of Massachusetts and Senator Alan K. "Al" Simpson of Wyoming debate Rupert Murdoch's pursuit of a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow him to continue owning newspapers in New York and Boston (the Boston Herald) while seeking a buyer; media anti-monopoly laws prevent any one individual from owning both a television station and newspaper in the same city. The episode aired on Tuesday, January 12, 1988, on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-23B
Dictation Belt 23B contains six sound recordings. Item 23B.1 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and Senator George A. Smathers of Florida. It probably occurred between July 10 and July 17, 1963. They discuss President Kennedy’s response to an unidentified grievance, judgments about the suitability of men to serve in roles related to a railroad work rules dispute, and a press editorial critical of President Kennedy. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 23B.2 is closed. Personal conversations withdrawn under privacy provisions of the donor’s deed of gift. Item 23B.3 is a brief fragment of a telephone conversation held on July 17, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon. The topic of discussion is unclear. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 23B.4 is a telephone conversation held on July 19, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Senator George A. Smathers of Florida. They discuss a legislative strategy for a foreign aid bill. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 23B.5 is a telephone conversation held on July 19, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Senator Russell B. Long of Louisiana. They discuss a foreign aid bill. [White House Operator?] announces the call. Item 23B.6 is part of a telephone conversation held on July 24, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. They discuss hearings on a treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT) and the positions held by various Senators. The recording of this conversation ends abruptly and continues on Dictation Belt 23C.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.
Sound recording
Edward M. Kennedy Senate Files
EMKSEN-AU0009-033-013
Sound recording of the radio program "Face Off." Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy of Massachusetts and Senator Alan K. "Al" Simpson of Wyoming debate legislation to revive the fairness doctrine, which refers to federal regulations that require radio and television broadcasters to cover public issues in a fair and balanced way. The episode aired on Monday, September 20, 1993, on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-238
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of November 14, 1963 (News Conference 64). During this press conference President Kennedy answered questions from the press on a variety of topics including the arrest of Yale University professor Frederick C. Barghoorn in Moscow on espionage charges, Vietnam, resistance in Congress to the foreign aid program, the delay in passing legislation, and the recognition of Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-210
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of August 20, 1963 (News Conference 60). The President begins the press conference with a statement urging the House of Representatives to pass the Mutual Defense and Assistance Bill of 1964, stating that the foreign aid program is essential to the strength of the free world. Following this announcement the President answers questions on a variety of topics including the four safeguards proposed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to protect the country under the limited language of the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), the upcoming civil rights march in Washington D.C., atmospheric nuclear testing, British Guiana, and legislation.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-195-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s filmed remarks for the CBS network in response to questions concerning the tax cut bill, tax policy, Government spending, and the Federal debt.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-186
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of May 22, 1963 (News Conference 56). During this press conference President Kennedy answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the controversial integration at the University of Alabama, the 1963 Wheat Referendum, the 1964 Presidential election, troops in Vietnam, foreign aid, and the progress of the nuclear test ban proposal.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-112
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of July 5, 1962 (News Conference 38). The President begins the press conference by stating his support for two bills, one concerning foreign aid, and the second concerning medical care for the elderly. Following these statements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the Atlantic Alliance, current and future relations with the Soviet Union, the Sugar Act, a meeting between Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the domestic economy, and the Chamizal Zone in El Paso, Texas.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-109
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of June 27, 1962 (News Conference 37). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the movement of Chinese Communist military forces into the Taiwan Strait area, warning the Peoples Republic of China that the United States would take action if an attack against the offshore islands Quemoy and Matsu threatens Taiwan. The President then reemphasizes his support for the trade expansion bill, stating he felt that passage of the bill was vital to the future of the United States. Following these statements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the recent United States Supreme Court decision banning prayer in public schools, plans to reduce United States troops in Europe, and Democratic Congressional support for his legislative program.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-106
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of June 14, 1962 (News Conference 36). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the strike being threatened by the flight engineers union against three major airlines, Trans World Airlines (TWA), Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), and Eastern Airlines. He states that a strike could have a significant effect on the economy and urged the flight engineers to reconsider striking and find some other means of settling their dispute without interrupting airline operation. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including why government deficits are not necessarily inflationary or harmful, the economy, support for his legislative program, the proposed farm bill, United States foreign policy, and foreign aid.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-102
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of June 7, 1962 (News Conference 35). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the economic outlook of the United States and his administration’s economic program. He then announces that he is asking Congress to enact across the board reductions in personal and corporate income tax rates on January 1, 1963 in order to aid economic recovery. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the foreign aid program, the 1962 tax bill, the proposed tax bill for 1963, whether the United States will assist France in the development of nuclear weapons, and the plan announced by United States Surgeon General Luther Terry to investigate the link between cigarette smoking and disease.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-084
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of March 29, 1962 (News Conference 29). The President begins the press conference by announcing the retirement of Associate Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Whittaker for health reasons. He then briefly discusses the importance of the tax revision bill before the House of Representatives and the obstacle of nuclear test inspections to the test ban treaty. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including steel industry negotiations, the Supreme Court reapportionment decision in Baker v. Carr [369 U.S. 186 (1962)], the prospect of a balanced budget, and trade legislation increasing carpet and glass tariffs.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-144
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of November 20, 1962 (News Conference 45). The President begins the press conference with an update on the Cuban Missile Crisis, stating that Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev would withdraw IL-28 bomber planes in Cuba within 30 days and that the naval quarantine of Cuba was lifted as a result of the withdrawal. The President then announces the signing of Executive Order 11063, which prevented discrimination in housing facilities owned or operated by the federal government, and the creation of the Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing. The President also announces advances in northeast India by the Chinese, and the deployment of a team headed by Assistant Secretary of State W. Averell Harriman to determine India’s military assistance needs. Following these statements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including Cuba, information policies between the press and the government, Executive Order 11063, and the current situation between India and China.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-130
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s News Conference of September 26, 1962 (News Conference 44). The President begins the special press conference by greeting the delegates to the White House Conference of Business Editors and Publishers and summarizing the current state of the economy. He states that the United States is moving forward to meet a number of economic goals and emphasizes the importance of the free market system and maintaining a close relationship with business. Following these statements the President answers questions from the delegates on a variety of topics including the Administration’s relationship with the business world, the economy, union shops in the aerospace industry, the status of the Wilderness bill, and removal of agricultural inequities.