Today, we turn our focus to a figure who remains as enigmatic as he is iconic. Ascending to the presidency at one of the tensest moments in American and world history, he energized a nation with his call for a “New Frontier,” navigated the shoals of the Cold War, and inspired Americans with his vision for space and civil rights. Yet behind his polished image lay personal struggles, political obstacles, and a legacy marked as much by tragedy as by promise.
So in this episode, on the anniversary of his inauguration, I’m asking… who is President John F. Kennedy?
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Special guest for this episode:
- Barbara Perry, a distinguished scholar from the University of Virginia’s Miller Center and one of the preeminent experts on the Kennedy family and presidency. She has authored and edited numerous books, including Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier and Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch.
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Highlights from this episode:
- John F. Kennedy's presidency, despite its brevity, was marked by significant achievements in civil rights and the space race.
- Kennedy's early life and family background played a crucial role in shaping his political ambitions and character.
- The complexities of JFK's personal life, including his infidelities, contrast sharply with his public persona as a devoted leader.
- The impact of JFK's assassination continues to resonate in American culture and politics, symbolizing a profound national tragedy.
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Additional Resources:
Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier by Barbara Perry
Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara Perry
Miller Center: JFK Life Before the Presidency
Miller Center: Domestic Affairs
Miller Center: Impact and Legacy
JFK Library: Life of John F. Kennedy
JFK Library: PT-109
JFK Library: The 1960 Election
JFK Library: The New Frontier
National Archives: JFK in Congress
JFK Library: Civil Rights
History.com: JFK and Marilyn Monroe
History Hit: JFK’s Affairs
History Hit: Camelot
Encyclopedia Britannica: John F. Kennedy
Britannica: New Frontier
JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories
National Archives: 1960 Election Results
Miller Center: Barbara Perry
University of Virginia: Barbara Perry CV and Bio
Political Dictionary: Camelot
JFK Library: The Space Program
Rice University: JFK Moon Speech
Miller Center: JFK and the Space Race
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
How Are Presidents Elected?
What is the US Constitution?
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This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
