Kennedy, John F.

Cultural  

1. A Democratic party political leader of the twentieth century; he was president from 1961 to 1963. His election began a period of great optimism in the United States. In his inaugural address, he challenged the nation, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy brought the United States out of the Cuban missile crisis and negotiated the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 with Britain and the Soviet Union. But he was also responsible for the disastrous attempt to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. Kennedy's domestic policies were called the New Frontier; he strongly supported space exploration and the civil rights movement. His presidency ended with his assassination on November 22, 1963, apparently by Lee Harvey Oswald, who allegedly shot Kennedy as the president rode in an open car through Dallas. Kennedy's death was mourned throughout the world.

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At age forty-three, Kennedy was the youngest person to be elected president in American history. His administration was known for its dazzling, stylish quality, partly because of his elegant wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Kennedy (see Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), and partly because Kennedy himself was young, handsome, and eloquent.

Example Sentences

Sen. Edward Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jr. - many members of the political dynasty living today say their public service is inspired by JFK.

From Washington Times

"President Kennedy called on a new generation of Americans to give their talents to the service of the country," said Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's daughter, who will present the award at a ceremony beginning at 8:30 p.m.

From Reuters

The group singled out Undersecretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy; John F. Hackett, director of information services; Executive Secretary Joseph E. Macmanus; Mills; Abedin; Clinton lawyer David E. Kendall; and Bryan Pagliano, a Clinton staff member during her 2008 presidential campaign who helped set up the private server.

From Washington Post

Robert F. Kennedy: JFK conspiracy theorist Topics: Robert Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Kennedy assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald, Almost 50 years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, add another name to the list of Warren Commission skeptics — the president’s brother, then attorney general Robert F. Kennedy.

From Salon

Navy Log: "He was the skipper: Kennedy, John F.," announced a voice on ABC's Navy Log last week.

From Time Magazine Archive