Ep 12. Nixon vs. Kennedy

In the 12th episode of the critically acclaimed TV series Mad Men titled "Nixon vs. Kennedy," set in the early 1960s, the team at Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency is tasked with coming up with a strategy for the upcoming presidential election between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

As the episode airs, the staff at Sterling Cooper is preparing for the presidential election, set to happen in November 1960. It's a crucial time for both the Republican and Democratic parties, and the advertising industry is keenly following the ongoing election story.

Pete Campbell, a young account executive, is at odds with his colleagues over his decision to back Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate. He is not alone in his preference as many of his colleagues also support Nixon, mainly due to his anti-communist views. On the other hand, Don Draper, the creative director, is inclined towards backing Kennedy, the Democratic candidate, for his progressive stance on civil rights and his charismatic appeal.

The election fever has gripped the entire country, and the Sterling Cooper team is not left behind. They are working hard to come up with effective advertising campaigns for their clients who want to be associated with the excitement of the election. The firm is also tasked with developing a strategy for the Nixon campaign's TV ads, which has to be carefully crafted to appeal to their targeted audience.

Meanwhile, the employees at Sterling Cooper are already deep in the swing of their personal affairs with their colleagues. Peggy, a rising copywriter, continues to build her reputation with the agency and is still struggling to gain respect from her male colleagues. Her romantic relations with Pete have caused quite a stir, and her position in the agency remains tenuous.

As the election draws nearer, the campaign trail for both candidates heats up, and the Sterling Cooper team works around the clock to deliver their clients' expectations. Kennedy, who has been trailing in the polls, needs an advertising boost, and the team comes up with campaign ads featuring his youthful appeal, using popular songs like "Twistin' the Night Away" by Sam Cooke.

There are also scenes where the candidates engage in a heated debate, with both sides accusing the other of using smear campaigns. The Sterling Cooper team takes note of these accusations and must also ensure that their advertising campaigns don't cross any lines that may hurt their clients' reputation.

As the episode comes to a climax, everyone is eagerly anticipating the results of the election. There are twists and turns, and the characters' personal lives continue to impact their professional relations. The final result of the election will have far-reaching implications for the Sterling Cooper team, and they are all waiting anxiously to see who will triumph in this historic race.

In conclusion, the "Nixon vs. Kennedy" episode of Mad Men is a thrilling and intense ride through the world of advertising and politics in the early days of the 1960s. It highlights the ever-increasing importance of advertising campaigns during election periods and the impact it can have on the outcome of the race. The episode also showcases the interpersonal relationships that can develop between co-workers and the difficulties women may face in a male-dominated industry. Ultimately, the episode leaves viewers wondering who will emerge victorious in a game of high-stakes politics and advertising.