Description
The Rights of Man: The 1960 Democratic Platform, signed by former President Harry S. Truman.
Octavo, 53pp, [1]. Printed wraps, bound along the spine with metal staples. Pamphlet is dated July 12, 1960. Faint dampstain to rear panel, impacting the last leaves of text. Housed in custom blue cloth folder, title on front panel in gilt over black morocco label. Includes a “Letter of Authenticity” from JSA Authentication.
Pamphlet signed on the front cover: “I hope Pauline Anderson will read this document. Harry Truman.”
During the 1960 Democratic presidential primary, former President Harry S. Truman opposed John F. Kennedy’s candidacy, arguing that Kennedy was too young, inexperienced, and overly dependent on his father’s influence. Truman favored his fellow Missourian, Senator Stuart Symington, and privately encouraged his nomination. He even suggested that Kennedy would be better suited for the vice-presidency rather than the top of the ticket, advice Kennedy firmly rejected.
After Kennedy won the nomination at the Los Angeles convention, Truman withheld enthusiasm and did not campaign actively for him, but he eventually offered formal support in the interest of party unity against Richard Nixon.
From the collection of Pauline Anderson (1923-2005), the secretary to the “President John F. Kennedy for President Campaign” in Seattle in 1960. She was a lifelong democrat, who worked for the Democratic National Committee and the Adlai Stevenson for President Campaign.
