Question

Why was Lyndon Johnson important to John F. Kennedy's victory in 1960?

Answer 1

It secured support in the South and Johnson had considerable Congressional experience in the Senate.

Explanation:

Kennedy was the first and to date the only Catholic President. He was from the liberal north-east, Irish American and fighting a very tight race against Richard Nixon.

Johnson's support was vital in securing enough of the South, which was necessary for Kennedy to get into the White House by a very slim margin.

Kennedy's victory however was probably more the result of Sam Giancana, the head of the Chicago mafia, fixing the vote in Illinois.