Rare and remarkable original “distinguished guest” ticket from the acceptance speech rally at the 1960 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, 5.25 x 2.75, signed on the front in black ink “Harry Truman,” in black felt tip “Lyndon B. Johnson,” and in blue ballpoint “Adlai Stevenson” and “John Kennedy.” The 1960 Democratic National Convention, held on July 11–15, was essentially a contest between then-Senator JFK and Adlai Stevenson, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate who lost to Eisenhower in the 1952 and 1956 elections. (At the 1956 convention, Stevenson had allowed the delegates to draft his vice-presidential candidate. Though Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver won the number-two spot on the ticket, JFK had run a close second, and the excitement he generated was one of the most widely remarked-upon events of the convention.) Though no less a figure than Eleanor Roosevelt proposed a Stevenson-Kennedy ticket in 1960, Kennedy entered the 1960 convention as the Democratic favorite, and, despite a vigorous effort by the Stevenson camp, indeed emerged as the victor. (JFK, who held Stevenson in high personal regard, later appointed him as the American ambassador to the United Nations.) Stevenson had endured a frustrating and complex relationship with former president Harry Truman, who had initially supported him in 1952 but later expressed reservations and backed Averell Harriman in 1956. (Truman’s choice in 1960 was fellow Missourian Stuart Symington, who barely caused a ripple at the convention.) Though Symington was JFK’s original choice as vice-presidential candidate, and though Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson had clashed during the primaries, Kennedy, anxious to secure the crucial states in the South, dropped Symington in favor the charismatic Texas senator. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, edge wear with scattered small tears (one tear just touching “y” of “Kennedy”), and creases and rounding at corners. All of the signatures are otherwise dark and clear. A unique combination of these four powerhouse democrats who, each in his own way, played a decisive and pivotal role in the history of the 20th century! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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