On December 1, 1960, far-right preacher Gerald L.K. Smith promoted a fundraising campaign basing it on the false premise that John F. Kennedy had actually lost the election. He suggested that by financially supporting his efforts, his followers could convince governors from Kennedy-won states to refuse sending electors to the Electoral College, leading to a fictional and unprecedented reversal of the election results.
Smith's appeal was characterized by sensationalism, illustrated by the bold headline 'HOLD YOUR BREATH: KENNEDY MAY HAVE LOST.' Although the election outcome was close, it had been officially decided, and Smith’s claims were nothing more than an attempt to exploit the fears and frustrations of his followers.
Despite Smith's assertions, Kennedy received a decisive 303 votes out of the 537 available in the Electoral College, easily defeating Nixon who obtained only 219 votes. The transition of power occurred smoothly, underscoring the stability of the democratic process, even in the face of manipulated narratives.
The events surrounding the 1960 election illustrate how far-right figures can manipulate public sentiment through disinformation. This instance serves as a historical reminder of the dangerous potential for false claims to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
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