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JFK
the fall of 1963 JFK and his political advisers were prepping for the next presidential campaign. -
Period: to
The assassination of JFK
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Prepping
At the end of September, the president traveled west, speaking in nine different states in less than a week. The trip was meant to put a spotlight on natural resources and conservation efforts. But JFK also used it to sound out themes such as education, national security, and world peace for his run in 1964. -
Planning
Then, on November 12, he held the first important political planning session for the upcoming election year. -
Needing to win the big states
At the meeting, JFK stressed the importance of winning Florida and Texas and talked about his plans to visit both states in the next two weeks. -
Patrick
Mrs. Kennedy would accompany him on the swing through Texas, which would be her first extended public appearance since the loss of their baby, Patrick, in August. On November 21, the president and first lady departed on Air Force One for the two-day, five-city tour of Texas. -
Addressing
A month later, the president addressed Democratic gatherings in Boston and Philadelphia.