John F. Kennedy served one of the shortest terms of any of the presidents of the United States, yet he holds as one of the American people’s favorite presidents. Why did this man who served only two short years loom so large in the hearts of the country? John F. Kennedy—Jack—as he was usually called, grew up the son a multi-millionaire business man in Brookline, Massachusetts. With ambitious dreams for each of their nine children, Jack’s parents urged him to make something of himself, especially in the academic realm. JFK was an extremely driven person.
Paradoxically, JFK was one of the most unique presidents and yet one of the most traditionally “American” presidents. He was a picture of “newness”, as both the youngest man and the first Catholic president to be elected. He captured the attention of the public with his tanned good looks, including a head full of hair, his snappy dressing, and his beautiful wife. The baby boom was slowing down, yet the idolized images of a healthy-wealthy family of the 1950s were still flourishing, and JFK, his wife Jackie, and their two children were the epitome of this image. Jackie Kennedy embodied the decade’s values for women; she was put together, dressed in French-designed dresses, and supported her husband tirelessly in his career. Achieving celebrity status that greatly contrasted his predecessors in the presidential office, JFK also possessed a mysterious and enchanting side. He was known to have strong connections to the media and to the glamorous celebrities in Hollywood. Still today, rumors of an affair with Marilyn Monroe are commonly believed to be true. The president was known for mixing with many lovely ladies other than his wife. As well as his appeal of newness, JFK also appealed to people because of his traditional American values. As the son of an influential businessman, and the grandson of two extremely influential Boston businessmen, JFK’s heritage was grounded steadfastly in the American culture. He attended Harvard University, the U.S.’s first college, which was built in 1636. In addition, JKF staunchly opposed Communism, which was the gripping fear of the 1950s, and which the nation had little forgotten. People felt that they could trust this through-and-through American. Balanced with charm, intellect, and American values, JFK won the trust and admiration of America.
Tremendously skilled, JFK possessed the power to talk to people. America listened. JFK was extremely eloquent and was the third president to use television to speak to the public. His short yet memorable sayings are what he is remembered by today, namely, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” JFK was the first president to effectively use the medium of television to speak directly to the American people. This phenomenon made the people listen, and JFK made them listen. When he appeared on television, he strategically wore a dark blue suit, so that he would show up clearly on the black and white screen, which was in direct contrast to Nixon’s dull gray suit. Former Senator, Bob Dole recalled in a PBS interview, “I was listening to it on the radio coming into Lincoln, Kansas, and I thought Nixon was doing a great job. Then I saw the TV clips the next morning, and he ... didn't look well. Kennedy was young and articulate, and ... wiped him out.” Next to Nixon, JFK was a picture youthful health. Most importantly, it wasn’t only what JFK communicated to the people, but how he communicated.
Even JFK’s political stances spoke of this exciting newness, with his most famous political catch-line, “The New Frontier.” He also wanted to confront the demons of the past like poverty, war, and ignorance in order to provide for a brighter future. This included his strong push for the civil rights movement.
Shockingly, only two years into office, JFK was assassinated. No single other event could have made him more famous then he was in his lifetime. His death transported him from celebrity status to martyr status. Just as in his lifetime, television played a great role in this. His assassination was shown in homes all over the country. Even the image of Jackie’s bloodstained pink dress has become iconic to America. Because many people watched the assignation and saw pictures of the murder scene, the president’s death became very real to them. It’s very difficult to hate a man who’s been unjustly murdered. With flamboyant youthfulness, swirling myths, and a dramatic assassination, JFK holds the interest of America still today. JFK had the whole package; he was our celebrity president.
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