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Based on sources such as Chicago Tribune, Encyclopedia Britannica, Slate Magazine and many other books, it is said that JFK's father played a significant part in making him president. In the book, "If It's Not Close They Can't Cheat," by Hugh Hewitt (page 60-61), it is claimed that JFK's father "helped" him illegally become president. What is some of the proof for and against this?

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US presidential elections are always a costly affair for the candidates, it is merely a question of who is paying. – Wladimir Palant Nov 6 '11 at 11:48
The Wikipedia article makes no claims that his father bought the presidency, or any other claims of illegality. -1 – Lennart Regebro Nov 6 '11 at 13:35
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Hewitt is obviously a complete crackpot. The Slate article thoroughly debunks the claims of vote fraud. Only Hersh's book claims JFK's father was involved in vote fraud, and that book relies only on rumors, anonymous sources and in one cause even a fraud. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour_Hersh#Kennedy_research – Lennart Regebro Nov 6 '11 at 15:58
Love how the question was phrased... I think the article may be giving too much credit to JFK's father, look at the Democratic machine at large. – grayQuant Feb 12 at 5:49

1 Answer

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As per your original question:

The Wikipedia section does not claim that Joseph P Kennedy bought John F Kennedy's victory. Such claims would be rather outlandish as it would mean that he was the only or the major contributor to the primary election campaign. As JFK would not have been able to win the democratic primary election unless he had widespread support within the Democratic party, it is unlikely that he couldn't find campaign funds from many other sources.

As per your updated question:

There have been investigations and recounts into this election, none of which found any voter fraud. The claim of voter fraud is just sour grapes from Republicans, just as with the claims of voter fraud against Bush.

About Joe Kennedy's influence on making JFK president:

Joseph P Kennedy was involved in politics, and knew a lot about politics, and helped out his son in his political career in many ways. I don't see how this is strange or controversial in any way. And it doesn't mean he paid for the presidency.

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Changed the question – YUASK Nov 6 '11 at 14:05
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@YUASK: Updated answer. – Lennart Regebro Nov 6 '11 at 19:57

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