The little-known story of how JFK pioneered supply-side economics

Today, the Left would have voters believe that the 1960s boom happened despite, or even because of, high taxes. In fact, America enjoyed this era of prosperity because John F. Kennedy, the great hero of liberals today, embraced the very conservative ideas of supply-side economics that later inspired Ronald Reagan.

In a blow-by-blow narrative of the tax battles within the Kennedy administration, the authors reveal how JFK assembled Keynesian advisors, only to reject their plans for loose money and big spending. Kennedy embraced ideas advanced by the non-Keynesians on his team of rivals and drew upon his own deep reading of history to opt for tax cuts and a recommitment to the gold standard. The subsequent economic boom delivered the greatest prosperity the nation had ever seen.

This is an eye-opening look at one of the most important yet least understood episodes in American economic history. It shatters the argument that the Republican push for tax rate cuts is a new movement, introduced by the extreme right. Instead, it is the Democrats who have moved so far left as to have to disown John F. Kennedys most successful policies. Only by returning to his supply-side economics can we return to the level of prosperity he ushered in.