Killing Kennedy

1. JFK's Charisma Masked Personal Struggles and Near-Death Experiences

JFK laughs off suggestions that he might die in office.

Public image vs. private reality. John F. Kennedy projected an image of youthful vigor and optimism, but beneath the surface lay a history of serious health problems, including Addison's disease and chronic back pain. These physical struggles were largely hidden from the public, contributing to the mystique surrounding his presidency.

Early brushes with death. Before entering politics, Kennedy faced death on multiple occasions, including the sinking of PT-109 during World War II. These experiences shaped his perspective and instilled a sense of resilience that would later serve him well in the political arena.

• Contracted a near-fatal illness during his time at Harvard
• Received last rites twice before becoming president

The Kennedy paradox. JFK's ability to compartmentalize his personal struggles from his public persona was a key element of his leadership. He presented an image of strength and confidence, even as he battled chronic pain and faced the constant threat of health complications.

2. The Sinking of PT-109 Forged Kennedy's Leadership

It was involuntary. They sunk my boat.

From playboy to commander. The sinking of PT-109 in 1943 forced John F. Kennedy to step up and take charge, transforming him from a privileged young man into a leader responsible for the lives of his crew. This experience proved pivotal in shaping his character and preparing him for future challenges.

Survival against the odds. After the PT-109 was sunk, Kennedy displayed remarkable courage and determination in leading his men to safety. He swam for miles, towed a badly burned crew member, and risked his life to signal for help, demonstrating a level of selflessness and bravery that would later define his political career.

• Swam for 5 hours to reach a nearby island
• Towed a wounded crew member using his teeth
• Carved a message on a coconut to signal rescuers

The making of a politician. The PT-109 incident became a key element of Kennedy's early political campaigns, showcasing his heroism and leadership abilities. It helped him connect with voters and overcome the perception that he was simply a wealthy young man coasting on his family's name.

3. Jackie Kennedy Redefined the Role of First Lady

The fact is that Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy never fully reveals herself to anyone—not even to her husband, the president.

Glamour and mystery. Jacqueline Kennedy brought a new level of style and sophistication to the White House, captivating the nation with her beauty, elegance, and knowledge of art and culture. She cultivated an air of mystery, carefully controlling her public image and maintaining a sense of privacy.

Restoring the White House. Jackie spearheaded a major renovation of the White House, transforming it from a somewhat drab and impersonal residence into a showcase of American history and culture. She meticulously researched the building's past and acquired valuable antiques and artwork to enhance its décor.

• Established the White House Historical Association
• Created a guidebook to raise funds for the restoration
• Oversaw the acquisition of period furniture and artwork

A devoted mother and wife. Despite her glamorous image, Jackie was deeply committed to her family. She was actively involved in raising her children and provided unwavering support to her husband, even as she navigated the challenges of being First Lady.

4. The Bay of Pigs Fiasco Exposed Kennedy's Vulnerability

I’d rather be called an aggressor than a bum.

A disastrous decision. The Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was a major foreign policy blunder that exposed Kennedy's inexperience and indecisiveness. The failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime damaged America's reputation and emboldened the Soviet Union.

Misinformation and misjudgment. Kennedy relied on faulty intelligence from the CIA and failed to adequately assess the risks involved in the invasion. He also underestimated Castro's popularity and the strength of the Cuban military.

• Authorized the invasion based on assurances from the CIA
• Cancelled air support at the last minute, dooming the mission
• Took full responsibility for the failure in a public statement

A turning point. The Bay of Pigs marked a turning point in Kennedy's presidency, forcing him to re-evaluate his decision-making process and rely more heavily on his brother, Bobby, for advice and support. It also created lasting animosity between Kennedy and CIA Director Allen Dulles.

5. Kennedy's Personal Life Contrasted Sharply with His Public Image

All Kennedy men are like that. You can’t let it get to you. You can’t take it personally.

A complex marriage. John and Jackie Kennedy presented a picture of marital bliss to the world, but behind closed doors, their relationship was far more complicated. JFK's numerous affairs caused Jackie great pain, but she often looked the other way for the sake of appearances and the prestige of being First Lady.

The president's philandering. Kennedy's sexual appetite was legendary, and he engaged in numerous extramarital affairs throughout his presidency. These affairs posed a significant security risk and threatened to undermine his political career.

• Affairs with Judith Campbell, a mistress of Mafia boss Sam Giancana
• Relationships with White House staff members
• Liaisons with Hollywood starlets, including Marilyn Monroe

Jackie's coping mechanisms. Jackie Kennedy was aware of her husband's infidelities, but she developed her own coping mechanisms to deal with the situation. She focused on her children, her work on restoring the White House, and maintaining a sense of dignity and grace in the face of personal challenges.

6. The Cuban Missile Crisis Tested Kennedy's Resolve

I don’t want the United States involved in this.

The brink of nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, testing Kennedy's leadership and resolve like never before. The discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba prompted a tense standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union.

A delicate balance. Kennedy had to navigate a delicate balance between asserting American power and avoiding a military confrontation that could escalate into a global conflict. He ultimately chose a naval blockade of Cuba, a move that put pressure on the Soviets without resorting to immediate violence.

• Authorized a naval quarantine of Cuba
• Engaged in secret negotiations with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev
• Resisted pressure from military advisors to launch an air strike

A triumph of diplomacy. The Cuban Missile Crisis ended peacefully, with the Soviets agreeing to remove their missiles from Cuba in exchange for a secret agreement that the U.S. would remove its missiles from Turkey. Kennedy's handling of the crisis was widely praised as a triumph of diplomacy and a demonstration of American strength.

7. Dallas: A City of Extremes and a Looming Tragedy

We’re heading into nut country today.

A divided city. Dallas in 1963 was a city of extremes, marked by both great wealth and deep-seated political divisions. The city was a hotbed of right-wing extremism and anti-Kennedy sentiment, creating a volatile atmosphere that would ultimately contribute to the tragedy that unfolded on November 22.

A climate of hate. The political climate in Dallas was particularly hostile to Kennedy, with many residents viewing him as a liberal interloper who was out of touch with their values. This animosity was fueled by conservative media outlets and right-wing political groups.

• "K.O. the Kennedys" bumper stickers were common
• Anti-Kennedy posters were displayed throughout the city
• The Adlai Stevenson incident foreshadowed the violence to come

A premonition of danger. Despite warnings from friends and advisors, Kennedy was determined to visit Dallas, believing that it was important to show his face and connect with the people of Texas. However, his decision to proceed with the trip would ultimately prove fatal.

8. Oswald's Descent: From Defector to Assassin

I’m just a patsy.

A life of alienation. Lee Harvey Oswald was a troubled and alienated young man who struggled to find his place in the world. He defected to the Soviet Union, but later became disillusioned and returned to the United States, where he continued to drift and search for meaning.

Ideological obsession. Oswald was drawn to radical ideologies, including communism and socialism. He saw himself as a revolutionary and believed that violence was sometimes necessary to achieve political goals.

• Defected to the Soviet Union in 1959
• Joined the Fair Play for Cuba Committee
• Attempted to assassinate General Edwin Walker

A desperate act. Oswald's decision to assassinate President Kennedy was likely driven by a combination of factors, including his personal frustrations, his political beliefs, and his desire to make a name for himself. He saw the assassination as a way to strike a blow against the establishment and become a figure of historical significance.

9. November 22, 1963: A Nation Shattered

Oh, Jack, oh Jack. I love you.

A moment of horror. The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, was a defining moment in American history, shattering the nation's sense of innocence and optimism. The events of that day would forever be etched in the collective memory of the American people.

A nation in mourning. The death of President Kennedy plunged the nation into a period of deep mourning. Millions of Americans watched in disbelief as the news unfolded on television, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their young and charismatic leader.

• The nation watched the events unfold on television
• The world mourned the loss of a visionary leader
• A sense of uncertainty and fear gripped the country

A legacy of hope. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, John F. Kennedy left behind a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues to resonate today. His vision of a more just and equitable society continues to inspire generations of Americans to strive for a better future.

Last updated: February 22, 2025