There are remarable parallels between the 1960 and 2008 elections, but there are also a few critical differences. Both the similarities and the divergences are instructive in assessing how the 2008 Election is likely to unfold. That Kennedy, despite his great advantages over Nixon, almost lost, should serve as a warning to Barack Obama.

There are remarable parallels between the 1960 and 2008 elections, but there are also a few critical differences. Both the similarities and the divergences are instructive in assessing how the 2008 Election is likely to unfold. That Kennedy, despite his great advantages over Nixon, almost lost, should serve as a warning to Barack Obama.