The Kennedy-Nixon contest in 1960 was extremely close. Nixon was urged by some of his supporters to ask for a recount in Illinois, a state which at that time was noted for ballot fraud. Here is what Nixon said about why he did not ask for a recount. This is taken from his book Six Crises.
If I were to demand a recount, the organization of the new administration and the orderly transfer of responsibility from the old to the new might be delayed for months. The situation within the entire federal government would be chaotic. Those in the old administration would not know how to act–or with what clear powers and responsibilities–and those being appointed by Kennedy to positions in the new administration would have the same difficulty making any plans.
Then too, the bitterness that would be engendered by such a maneuver on my part would, in my opinion, have done incalculable and lasting damage throughout the country. And finally, I could think of no worse example for nations abroad, who for the first time were trying to put free electoral procedures into effect, than that of the United States wrangling over the results of our presidential election, and even suggesting that the presidency itself could be stolen by thievery at the ballot box.
Consequently, I made the decision not to support the contest and recount charges. I know that this greatly disappointed many of my best friends and most ardent supporters–but I could see for myself no other responsible course of action.
Frankly, it was a terrible thing that Nixon allowed himself to get caught up in Watergate. I truly believe that his greatest accomplishment was the creation of the EPA.
ReplyDeleteI believe that most Americans do not know that the EPA was started with Nixon's support. It's good to remind us.
ReplyDelete