When describing this year’s US presidential election, “fun” and “whimsical” are not the first words that spring to mind, but they apply to many of the objects in a timely exhibition at the New-York Historical Society (Campaigning for the Presidency, 1960-72: Selections from the Museum of Democracy, until 27 November). The show includes campaign memorabilia, advertisements, posters, photographs and other archival material from four races to the White House. It opens on a jolly note, with a catchy jingle from John F. Kennedy’s run in 1960, and includes some downright bizarre objects, such as a miniature bale of hay from 1964 (used to highlight Lyndon B. Johnson’s Texas cowboy roots) and anti-Richard Nixon toilet roll. The curator Cristian Panaite points out a more highbrow exhibit: a print made by Alexander Calder for George McGovern’s 1972 bid.