From the Archives: An Endorsement

Nixon the preferred candidate of the HBS student body in 1960

Editor’s Note: This issue’s From the Archives piece originally ran on October 28, 1960, two weeks before the presidential election between Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy and Republican nominee Richard Nixon. The Harbus endorsed Nixon, warning against the “big daddy” government Kennedy’s vision argued for. Of note: Harvard Business School did not start enrolling women until 1963, or three years after this publication.

The election campaign of 1960 comes at a time when the world issue is clear: Will government dominate men, or will men dominate government? This issue is fundamental to the 1960 election campaign, and permeates every aspect of our society from domestic educational policy to topics of foreign affairs.

But the election campaign of 1960 comes on a confused America where men see their values slowly slipping from their grasps and yet are unable to know how to change the course of events. Two young men are running for the office of president in this time of continued crisis, where leadership is a necessity for survival. Both of these men are qualified for the office they seek. Both are brilliant, aggressive, tenacious, and able. Both have served the country in the past with competence and forcefulness. Both have ability to lead men.

We believe that Richard M. Nixon is better suited to the office of President than his opponent John F.

Kennedy.

Mr. Nixon and Mr. Kennedy agree on many goals, especially in the field of foreign policy. But they disagree, we believe, in many basic ideas as to means of attaining America's goals. Mr. Nixon subscribes to a philosophy of government as being a leader of people, rather than a big daddy for them. He realizes that the strength of the country cannot ever be measured by the size or activity of the government, but is essential in its roots, which are people. His programs are aimed more at supporting, and encouraging the private and non-government activities of individuals rather than at increasing the role of government in our society, as Mr. Kennedy urges. He believes in action, but not, we believe, activity primarily for the sake of activity.

Mr. Nixon's philosophy of government is, we believe, more appropriate for the future years than Mr.

Kennedy's. His experience, training, and background make him a logical choice in the 1960 election.