Agenda for Kennedy-Johnson Meeting, Hyannisport, Massachusetts

This item is an agenda for a meeting in Hyannisport, Massachusetts between Senators John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson to discuss strategy for the 1960 presidential campaign.

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Agend2 for Kennedy-Johnson Meeting, Hyannisport, Massachusetts, Friday, July 29th and Saturday, July 30th, 1956 ? 1. Congressional Session a. Legislative items to be passed for Presidential veto or acceptance Minimum wage Help for old age ? b. Statement to the press at Hyannisport on legislative program (This is of almost equal importance. It should indicate the relatively brief period of time for the session, that this is a "clean up" period, the expected partisan nature of the Repúblican political opposition, and the impossibility and impropriety of implementing the Democratic Platform in this brief session.) 2. Coordination of Presidential and Vice Presidential Campaigns a. Top level liaison between the Candidates On substance: Danger of travelling Candidates in infrequent touch with each other, taking inconsistent points of view on important policy problems; possibility of arrangements whereby both Candidates would affirmatively attack on same consistant policy pattern. Examples of how it should not be done - Stevenson and Kegauver on "Atom Bomb" and "Abolish the Draft" issues in 1956, On mechanics: Is mutual clearance of speeches on high level feasible? Can headquarter communications be utilized so travelling Candidates can communi- cate points of view and ideas to each other within matter of hours? Previous experience indicates it is almost impossible for two trivelling Candidates to communicate directly with each other in thoughtful manner. On problems Minor problems, irritating to one Candidate or the other, about the other's staff or group attitude can easily be solved at early stage, but can become serious if communications fail. On areas: Who should campaigo where? Joint appearances? - such as a Midwest Farm Day. b. Campaign Coordination Johnson coordination with Kennedy groups, such as civil rights group, businessmen for Kennedy, political organi- zation meetings, etc. are essential. Kennedy group is moving too hastily in many areas, e.g., the registration meeting in Dallas, Texas months after Texas registration is closed. On the other hand, Kennedy groups desire to