The more one studies John F. Kennedy and witnesses the Presidency of Barack Obama, the more one can see comparisons.
Both John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama represented new directions in the office of the Presidency. The following comparisons can be made between the 35th President and the 44th President.
Both of these Presidents represented a revolutionary change, with Kennedy being the first Catholic President and Obama being the first African American President.
Both of these Presidents faced the vehement opposition of the Southern states, although both won key states in the South and had most of their opposition from the “deep” South.
Both of these Presidents were charismatic and great orators of their visions.
Both of these Presidents had young children in the White House years.
Both of these Presidents had very attractive First Ladies, who added a lot to their Presidencies.
Both of these Presidents dealt with the issue of civil rights, with Kennedy focused on race and Obama on sexual orientation controversies.
Both of these Presidents engendered great hatred and were considered dangerous to the nation by critics, and the number of assassination threats grew dramatically.
Both of these Presidents had a Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson and Joe Biden, with a reputation of being exceptional legislators who knew how to get things done in Congress.
Both of these Presidents were young, and offered new hope for a new generation.
Both of these Presidents faced major challenges, Kennedy with the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Obama with finding Osama Bin Laden.
Both of these Presidents faced tough times dealing with the Soviet Union under Kennedy, and the Russian Federation under Obama.
Both of these Presidents emphasized the need for health care as an important federal goal, with Kennedy unable to accomplish Medicare, but Obama able to accomplish ObamaCare, with conservatives being the crucial opposition in both situations.
Both of these Presidents promoted the concept of peace as a goal, rather than war, with Kennedy attempting moves toward ending the Cold War, and Obama attempting moves to end the war on Terrorism.
Both of these Presidents appealed to our better natures, rather than the lowest common denominator.
Both of these Presidents attempted to fight poverty and promote the middle class as the way to progress for society.
Both of these Presidents became models for young people, and gave them hope in a better America and a better world, as they were seen in an idealistic manner as overcoming cynicism common in both eras.
With Obama having about three years to go, and with constant, persistent death threats, it is hoped and prayed for that he will finish his term unharmed, and avoid the tragedy of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Let all of us wish him the best!
“Both of these Presidents were young, and offered new hope for a new generation.”
Along with unprecedented levels of student debt and unemployment.
“Both of these Presidents appealed to our better natures, rather than the lowest common denominator.”
Take money from the rich people! They didn’t build it! Obama appeals to envy, which is not part of our good natures. So he does appeal to the lowest common denominator.
“Both of these Presidents became models for young people”
Obama’s a great model for young people who want to become con men. To learn how to lie smoothly and shamelessly, they will watch some of the 20-some repetitions of “If you like your plan, you can keep your plan”.
LOL @ Mark’s nonsense!
Mark, take money from the rich, or rather the rich exploiting everyone through their lobbyists and friendships with Reagan and Bush II?
Bush never lied, Reagan never lied, and people died, heh? Hundreds of thousands under W!
Unprecedented levels of student debt and unemployment, caused by the Great Recession of George W. Bush, and the desire of the GOP to do nothing about it, if they had been in the White House the past five years.
Mark, you are truly delusional, or are you Dave in hiding under another name? 🙂
Very good article Professor! 🙂
@Rustbelt
I’m laughing right along with you! 😉
“Along with unprecedented levels of student debt and unemployment.”
“Take money from the rich people! They didn’t build it! Obama appeals to envy, ”
Hi Mark, Before I get into a little diatribe with you I would like to ask you one question. Are you part of the 1%? I only ask because I don’t want to waste my time. If you are part of the 1%, then congratulations on your success. If you are not part of the 1%, then the two comments you made above are completely retarded.
1% in looks? Sure.
HAHA! This back and forth between JOB and Mark is hilarious! LOL But since Mark only brags about his looks, LOL, I think, JOB, it is a waste of time to try to convince Mark of anything!
JOB meant wealthy, Mark, not looks.
HAHA, Pragmatic Progressive, give it to Mark! LOL HAHAHA!
The professor has an obvious giddy obama man crush.
No, Dave, I am a scholar, and simply making comparisons. I guess you are ignorant enough so that you cannot see the common threads that exist, a result of your lack of historical education. So sad!