On the Campaign Trail

Campaigning to be the next president of the United States is a long, grueling task. Candidates travel extensively, giving speeches at campaign rallies, meeting with constituent groups, and participating in debates. They shake hands and kiss babies in hopes of garnering support and eventually getting votes. In addition to winning over voters through personal appearances, signs, buttons, bumper stickers, and other types of memorabilia are created as advertising tools for presidential candidates.

All Items on this page are from the American Political Items Collectors and Ollie Atkins Photograph Collections.

A plastic window decal featuring Franklin Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and George McGovern promotional campaign bumper stickers.

"Trading stamps" for 1964 Republican presidential nominee, Barry Goldwater.

John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon shake hands during a presidential debate in 1960.

A “Richard Nixon for President” pocket handkerchief. American Political Items Collectors Collection.

Robert F. Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon campaign photographs.