Old News: JFK backs Bayh in airport address

Driving the (old) news: Kennedy's visit on Oct. 13, 1962 was one of many he made during a broader campaign swing to support Democratic candidates ahead of the Nov. 6, 1962 midterm elections.

• His airport remarks focused on the Senate race and the choice between the parties' competing visions for America.
• Bayh, the party's challenger to Republican Sen. Homer Capehart, spoke before Kennedy.

Between the lines: The president took aim at Bayh's opponent, criticizing Capehart's opposition to parts of his legislative agenda including programs related to foreign aid, trade and national security.

• He urged voters to send Bayh to the Senate, arguing that Indiana needed a senator who would support his administration's priorities.
• Capehart had held the Senate seat for 18 years.

Zoom in: Bayh ultimately defeated Capehart by just 10,944 votes out of 1.8 million cast. Bayh received 50.3% of the vote to Capehart's 49.7%.

• The narrow victory launched a Senate career that lasted until 1981.
• Bayh went on to play a major role in constitutional and civil-rights legislation, including the 25th Amendment and Title IX.

The latest: Indiana Democrats are looking for another upset this November as Birch Bayh's grandson Beau Bayh runs for Indiana secretary of state, hoping to overcome a Republican streak of 23 straight statewide election victories since 2014.