Why We Are Captivated by JFK and His Assassination

When he was sworn into office in 1961, John F. Kennedy was the youngest person ever to be elected president of the United States. Kennedy’s upbringing seemed to predestine him for a life in politics and “his radiant smile and genuine openness made him immediately likeable” (Dallek 5). Despite his youth, President Kennedy displayed exceptional leadership and bold optimism in leading the nation through many difficult challenges. These qualities captivated the nation, leading both to his election and in fueling the many conspiracy theories surrounding his tragic death.  

President Kennedy’s leadership was evident during the many challenges he faced while in the White House. One such challenge was the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. This crisis began when the United States discovered that Russia had nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States’ coastline (Dallek 535-36).  Despite the counsel of many inside the government to use military strikes to force Russia to remove the missiles, Kennedy stood strong and refused to engage militarily (557). Historian Robert Dallek writes that Kennedy’s “… restraint in resisting a military solution that would almost certainly have triggered a nuclear exchange makes him a model of wise statesmanship in a dire situation” (574). This crisis showed Kennedy favoring a “strategy of peace” (Douglass 223), which was a bold departure from the country’s previous mentality with regards to Russia. President Kennedy showed leadership in facing the crisis and standing up for what he believed was right, even though many were against him and wanted to take military action against Russia.

President Kennedy’s leadership was also on display in another situation involving Russia and space exploration. Much was made in the news of Russia’s desire to win the space race and of their success in sending the first man into outer space (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Staff, Space Program). President Kennedy went to Congress and challenged them to fund our national space program so the United States might be the first country to land on the moon within the decade (Space Program). In his speech before Congress, President Kennedy said, “this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the earth” (Space Program). Kennedy’s leadership in securing funding for and revitalizing the country’s space program resulted in many achievements including ultimately, putting a man on the moon in 1969. 

President Kennedy’s optimism was on display perhaps most prominently in his 1961 inauguration speech in which he famously said, “[a]sk not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” (Dallek 324). When crafting this inaugural address, Kennedy said he wanted to “… set an optimistic tone for a new era under a new generation of leaders” (324). The speech showcased President Kennedy’s belief that people could work together to make the country better for themselves and future generations. It was an optimistic and bold vision for the United States. 

President Kennedy’s optimism was also evident in his work for civil rights. In 1963, he said, “[w]e are confronted primarily with a moral issue… whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights.” (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Staff, “JFK Speeches: Radio and Television Report to the American People on Civil Rights, June 11, 1963”). President Kennedy saw a version of the United States that was no longer preoccupied with race but one where all people were treated fairly and with dignity. This was an inspiration for many and led to many significant legislative changes. Kennedy’s optimism led him to seek this change, despite the many obstacles he would face. 

President John F. Kennedy’s leadership and optimism made him a great American president. He faced challenges bravely, led with vision, and cared about fairness and equality. Kennedy’s qualities both inspired a nation to change and perhaps also fueled the conspiracies and fascination surrounding his assasination.