“Countdown 1960" by CNN news anchor Chris Wallace is a look behind the scenes of a consequential year in U.S. politics, the latest in Wallace's popular “Countdown” histories. U.S. presidential campaigns entered the modern era in 1960 with televised debates and slick advertising. Associated Press reviewer Anita Snow says the achingly close contest between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon was not unlike the current lead-up to the 2024 election pitting Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump. As now, there were charges of fraud and a stolen election. But Nixon decided in his case not to contest the results.