Nixon and Kennedy Visit L.A.

Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, arrive in Arcadia.   Nixon voices confidence the Republican Party ... And the MTA is increasing fares on buses and streetcars from 17 cents to compensate for raises granted to union workers. Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.) says Americans have it too easy … Former Mayor Frank Shaw is back in the news ... And the last Civil War veteran is in failing health, The Times says.  "What has happened to us as a nation?" Kennedy asks. "Profits are up, our standard of living is up, but so is our crime rate. So is the rate of divorce and juvenile delinquency and mental illness. So are the sales of tranquilizers and the number of children dropping out of school." Look who’s traveling with Nixon: Herbert Klein and Rosemary Woods. And he plays the piano!   Coming soon: “A Summer Place.”   The Dodgers name Bobby Bragan as coach, replacing Charlie Dressen, who went to the Braves.

Nov. 3, 1959: Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy are both evasive in answering questions about the 1960 presidential race. It’s interesting to contrast the idealism of Kennedy’s speeches, in terms of banning nuclear weapons tests, with Nixon’s comments assessing his political career to date. Kennedy seems to be looking forward while Nixon is looking back. Of course, Nixon is meeting with his earliest supporters so his retrospective makes sense. But it's still interesting.