Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. examines the similarities and differences between the intense presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon in 1960.

With the introduction of television to air speeches and debates, the race between Kennedy and Nixon brought about a new style of campaign that truly had America questioning "What is the difference between your two parties?"

Giving commentary on one of the most famous presidential races in American history, Schlesinger examines the candidates, their personalities, their policies, and their Parties in order to establish a considerable difference between JFK and Nixon, showing readers that those very differences would become vital to the safety and survival of the nation.