John F. Kennedy at the Michigan Union (1960)

In this recording we hear John F. Kennedy addressing a group of students outside the Michigan Union on October 14th, 1960, at 2 am. At the time of this speech, JFK is running for president and this is a stop on his campaign tour. In Kennedy’s talk he presents the concept of the Peace Corps and discusses new ideals that he would promote within American society should he be elected president. Kennedy asks the students to demonstrate their support for his candidacy and join him in rebuilding an improved nation. He ends with a clever remark relating Michigan’s recent win against Duke to a future victory that these students will have on election day against Duke’s most famous alumnus - Richard Nixon. In this recording we hear both JFK’s remarks along with the students’ cheering.

Contributor: Lucy Cosgrove Source: Bentley Historical Library