That proved to be a failure. The counterpoint to that comes two years into his presidency, a little more than that, by his very expert handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis and being able to find a way to being the United States and the Soviet Union a step back from nuclear war…which was a real possibility at that time when the Russians had put missiles into Cuba...a great threat to the United States.
So, Kennedy comes into office, inexperienced, but learns on the job, and toward the end of his presidency was able to complete a limited test ban treaty on nuclear weapons with the Soviets.
It looks like you’ve interviewed historians; professors; members of the Kennedy family; Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent. Is there anybody out there you didn’t interview and wanted to? It seems like people are more accessible now than they were.
I’m very happy that we spoke with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who is the eldest child of Robert Kennedy, who was John Kennedy’s brother; later assassinated, himself, in 1968. I was surprised that, after all these years, it still can strike an emotional chord. And Kathleen Kennedy Townsend was surprisingly emotional. To the point where she could hardly bring herself, when talking about the assassination, to say that John Kennedy had been killed. She actually stumbled over the word.
So, this was a revelation. This time in our history was poignant. And, 50 years have gone by. But for those who remember it, it can seem like it was yesterday. And for those who had a personal involvement with it, or a personal connection to it, the memories never fade.
Jim, thank you.
You’re welcome. Thank you.
That was Chris Cruise speaking with VOA National reporter Jim Malone. For a link to Jim’s program, go to our website voalearningenglish.com.
And that’s all the time we have for As It Is. Join us tomorrow when June Simms has more about President Kennedy’s creation of the Peace Corps. I’m Caty Weaver.