JFK's presidential campaign notes

A collection of John F Kennedy's uncensored campaign notes for the 1960 presidential election is selling at Heritage Auctions. 

The lot consists of 98 pages of text Kennedy wrote after losing his voice to laryngitis between April and May that year.


JFK switched to writing notes while on the campaign trail to preserve his voice

It will provide the highlight of the Americana and Political auction in Dallas on December 3.

He communicated via writing during this time to ensure his voice was well rested for his upcoming appearances.

Most of these notes were addressed to and saved by Janet DesRosiers, the flight attendant on his private plane and long-time mistress of JFK's father Joseph.

Tom Slater, director of Americana at Heritage, says: "We've never seen anything like these amazing notes.

"I've never encountered uncensored papers from a president, let alone something in this wonderful historic impact…

"The circumstances dictated that here was no filter when Kennedy was dashing these off."

They include references to his throat problems: "Perhaps we should have Teddy make the speech tonight. I will just shake hands."

Elsewhere he shows himself as a hard-nosed political operator: "Did you hear me stick it up [journalist] Myles ass today".

The lot has a $25,000 opening bid.

A sterling silver Tiffany cigar box, displaying the presidential seal, that Kennedy kept in the Oval Office is offered with an opening bid of $20,000.

Slater said: "While any objects personally owned by President Kennedy are highly collectable, those used in the Oval Office hold a particular allure for collectors.

"This particular box, formerly in the renowned Robert White collection, is especially well-documented, having come from Martin E. Underwood, a Special Assistant to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson."

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