Life in America

Louie had to wait two or three years after coming to America before he could officially become a citizen and be able to vote. The first election Louie voted in was the Presidential Election of 1960. John F. Kennedy, a Democratic Senator from Massachusetts ran against Vice President Richard Nixon. John F. Kennedy was an Irish Catholic and many Americans did not like the idea of Catholic becoming president,. However, to many people in the Irish Catholic community, like Louie, the possible election of an Irish Catholic was “an exciting prospect.” Louie liked JFK most prominently because he was a Catholic, but he also liked the youthful spirit and energy Kennedy seemed to have. He voted for Kennedy and even tried to stay up all night to watch the results. He was also excited because it was his first time voting in America and voting in the 1960 Presidential election made him really feel like part of America. He thought “it was the perfect way to officially celebrate him becoming a citizen”. He was also thrilled he was able to give his first vote to an Irish Catholic. The day after the elections, Louie was overjoyed that Kennedy had won; he said “you had to vote for Kennedy”.