An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 (2004) - Plot & Excerpts
A great book indeed. The author wrote well and very exhaustively. It presents an answer to every question one has in mind. For anyone who is a stranger to the events obtaining at that time (like me who is a Filipino, and born just as Kennedy was elected President of the US), the book is informative. To record what I thought are worth remembering about the subject, I wrote a summary. Thus:Pres. Kennedy's ancestors, both from the father side and the mother side, were Irish Catholics who were driven to America during the great famine in their country. From being poor, Jack's ancestors worked their way up to be at par with the rich in the US.Jack's knowledge of his Irish ancestry was limited because of his parents' "upward mobility and their eagerness to replace their Irishness with an American identity".His grandfather to his father side, Patrick Joseph Kennedy became a leading figure in Boston's liquor trade; later, he served five one-year terms in the Massachusetts Lower House, followed by three two-year terms in the state Senate. When he retired from politics he held various appointive offices. By the time he died, he held an interest in a coal company and a substantial amount of stocks in the Columbia Trust Co.. His grandfather in his mother side, John Fitzgerald or Honey Fitz, served three terms in Congress, later became Mayor of Boston, and became a publisher of a local newspaper, The Republic.His father, Joseph or Joe, went to Harvard and decided on a career in banking, and was successful. He also became Ambassador to Britain. His mother, Rose was educated in Catholic schools and lived a privileged life.Jack was the second in a brood of 9. Joe Jr, the eldest, would be groomed for an extraordinary future, and as Honey Fitz would tell a reporter during his christening, would become the President of the United States. Jack's birth was greeted with less fanfare, and without any prediction of his future.While Joe Jr. excelled both in academics and sports, Jack was quite ordinary and sickly.Despite the material benefits the family enjoyed, they were not without ambitions. With the help of their father, Joe Jr. entered the Navy as an officer, while Jack got drafted in the Navy.As a PT commander, whose boat capsized, and saved 10 of his crew members, Jack became a war hero, a popular one. What made it so special was that Joe, a very wealthy and influential father, volunteered his son in harm's way and did the country proud.Later, Joe Jr. volunteered for a dangerous mission of flying a Navy bomber loaded with explosives, but before reaching its target, Joe Jr's plane exploded in the air. Joe Jr's death devastated his father whose future plans depended on Joe Jr's future, resulting in his father's antagonism to America's involvements abroad, for the rest of his life. For Jack, his brother's death evoked a terrible sense of loss.For Joe who succeeded in making money, a business career for his children to add to their multi-million dollar furtune was pointless. Politics would be a logical alternative. He declared: "in the next generation, the people who run the government, would be the biggest people in America.The death of Joe Jr. put Jack in his stead. In 1945, he announced that he'd go into "public service". Joe set up the stage for Jack's political career. His money permitted a successful campaign. Jack would serve the Congress three terms before he got his Senate seat.Jack concentrated on foreign policies more than on domestic concerns during his stints in both houses. Most prominent of his pronouncements was the defense of the West against a communist advance. Later, he also focused on Asian problems in that they were susceptible to Soviet exploitation.Bobby, Jack's younger brother, who was a lawyer, run Jack's campaign for the Senate. It was the most organized state-wide campaign in Massachusetts.While a Senator, Jack married Jackie, who, like Jack hails from a wealthy family too. They had two children, John Jr. and Caroline.While in the Senate, Jack's health condition worsened: the pain had become unbearable, and after a battery of tests and consultations, Jack finally decided to undergo operation even if it posed a grave risk of a fatal infection, and the risks were 50/50. He said he'd rather be dead than live on crutches and paralyzed by pain. Jack went into a coma, and a priest was called to administer the last rites. Joe thought he would lose his second son and wept openly. After another operation, Jack recovered and went back to his Senate duties. He was warmly welcomed by his Senate colleagues who admired his determination to maintain his career despite his debilitating health condition.Because of Jack's long absence from the Senate, the Kennedys had no choice but to divulge Jack's illness. The revelation benefited, rather than undermined his image- he came through as courageous and fit rather than unfit for higher office.During this time, he was inspired to write, Profiles in Courage, which recounts the the careers of eight Senators who showed uncommon courage in risking their political careers by taking unpopular stands. For this book, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1957. For Jack, the prize would advance his ambition, the Presidency.In 1956, Jack lost in the Vice Presidential nomination at the 1956 Convention, but he considered it a stoke of luck because he, along with Stevenson would have been beaten. In mulling over the Presidency, "Jack believed that his youth, Catholicism, limited support from party leaders, and questionable health, made him far from a sure bet for president in 1960". But according to his father: this country is not a private reserve for Protestants. With his own ambition, self-confidence, and his father's money, Jack was hopeful of success. But his chronic health problems might undermine his candidacy, so the state of his health would be a closely guarded secret.His loss in the nomination in 1956, taught him a lesson: that he can't get far in politics if one doesn't become a total politician.Jack's probe of labor unions, although drew criticisms, won him wider public approval, as a senator who, like the heroes in his book, put the country above personal political gain.Jack's forte would be foreign affairs.Jack's good looks, charm, and wit gave him more public appeal. In his 1958 Senate reelection, he won 73.6% of votes cast. Thus, "the flowering of another great political family, like tha Adamses, the Lodges, and the La Folletes".To explain his decision to run for President he said that effective leadership came largely from the top. He had no patience with being second, so he dismissed the advice for him to run for Vice President.Jack won the presidential nomination, and Johnson, whom he chose as running mate also got nominated.Jack's acceptance speech was "a memorable appeal to the country to renew its commitment to larger goals than personal, self-serving ones".Bobby as a campaign manager was blunt, hard and tough. A Counterattack Sourcebook was produced to answer derogatory assertions about Kennedy's religion, health, inexperience,profligate campaign spending, voting record on labor, civil liberties, etc. Rumors of his womanizing surfaced, but dismissed as outdated and unsubstantiated. Against the advice of Bobby and the campaign staff, Jack made an appearance before a group of Protestant ministers in Houston, Texas, to confront the issue of his Catholicism. He showed no sign of nervousness. His sincerity converted some opponents and persuaded some undecided voters that he had the "maturity and balance to become a fine president". In his speech he declared his belief in the separation of church and state, that the President's views on religion are his own private affair, and that he is not a Catholic candidate for President but the Democratic party's candidate for President.Jack tackled next the issue that he is young or inexperience. The surest way was to compete directly with Nixon in a debate. Jack came across as a leader while Nixon appeared as someone trying to gain an advantage. While Nixon looked tense, almost frightened, Jack was "calm and nerveless".As to foreign policy, Jack proved himself capable, as shown by his service in the Foreign Relations Committee, his Foreign Affairs article in 1958, "A Democrat Looks at Foreign Policy", and the Strategy of Peace, a compilaton of speeches on international affairs and national security.Jack won the presidency with only 49.72 % of the popular vote. The analysis fo the narrow victory was: the fear of a Catholic in the White House. He was the youngest president ever elected to the presidency.The outgoing President, Eisenhower was impressed with Jack, saying he is one of the ablest, brightest minds he ever come across.Jack's inaugural speech was one of two most memorable inaugurals of the 20th century. Many were impressed by his speech; it thrilled the crowd.Early in his presidency, the Bay of Pigs incident shattered Jack. He blamed himself for having been misled into a Cuban invasion. The incident which cost more than a hundred lives, drove him to tears. He would later say: "never to rely on the experts". This taught him a lesson enough to arm him with the skills and conviction to deal with crises later.The Cold War which had been looming for years already gripped America with fear. A hostile Soviet had been slowly spreading communism and intimidating the US with a show of force. Bent on resolving the conflicts in Cuba, Berlin, Vietnam, Jack showed great leadership in resolving the missile crisis in Cuba, which, if not handled well would have resulted in a nuclear war.Jack's health problem did not undermine his presidency. He proved himself sincere and serious in resolving conflicts in the hemisphere and in the domestic front. He described himself: "the idealist without illusions".He pushed for the civil rights. Though thwarted many times, Jack, pursued. He aimed for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans, black or white.Kennedy's death shocked not only America but the world! Jack's "sudden violent death seemed to deprive the country and the world of a better future".
I’m too young (though not by much) to remember, real time, JFK’s assassination, but I’ve been all too aware of the whodunit debate that’s raged ever since his tragic and untimely death. That said, I really didn’t know very much about the man until I read this book. It’s a thoughtful and thoroughly researched piece of work that draws on the input of many people who served with Kennedy and tapes of White House conversations, by virtue of a recording system instigated by JFK himself.The son of a pushy father, born to a rich, political family, JFK’s elder brother was always meant to be the one who made president. But, as everyone knows, the family has been cursed by early deaths and JFK became the eldest surviving son following the wartime death of Joe junior. The book tracks his early life and shows how Jack Kennedy progressed through Congress and Senate positions to become President. Observations and accounts seem well balanced with reflections on the man’s failures and weaknesses as well as his strengths and successes. It amazed me to realise that during his scant 1000 days in power he was called upon to address some of the weightiest problems of the 20th century, notably Cuba (particularly the missile crisis that took us closer to planetary extinction than any other single event), the rise of Communism which led to the conflict in Vietnam and the resulting Cold War and the emerging unrest concerning civil rights. He also kick started the space race which ultimately brought about the historic 1969 moon landing. Most surprising facts:-The extent to which he struggled with poor health throughout pretty much his entire life, to the extent that records were hidden, to prevent his ability to serve at the highest level being challenged, and later destroyed.-If he hadn’t worn a back brace (due to chronic back problems) that kept him erect in his seat, the fatal shot, which followed the hit to his neck, would have missed him.Most significant achievements:-Finding a resolution to the Cuban missile crisis – albeit a crisis he arguably spawned by benefit of his policies and actions as he attempted to remove Castro from power.-Negotiating a nuclear test ban treaty with Khrushchev at a time many of his political enemies and the military leaders (and even some of his advisers!) were arguing against such an agreement.Failings:-He was a serial womaniser – to an extent it seems unthinkable he’d have survived in modern political life. This might have left him open to claims that he was distracted from his job and inattentive to both local and international issues, but the author goes to some lengths to dispel this accusation.-Despite his vocal support for the campaigners for civil rights, he failed to pass any significant legislation to address the core issues. In fact, his overall record in passing weighty legislation was poor.There’s no doubt his family money and connections allowed him the opportunity to achieve such high office, but it’s also very clear that JFK was a very smart man, a war hero (if a somewhat lucky one) and above all a leader who was willing to be considered indecisive rather than make a mistake he’d later regret. This latter trait seemed to be born from his observations of decisions made by military leaders during his naval service (he always mistrusted this group thereafter) and his early misjudgements as President concerning Cuba and Vietnam. Nevertheless, it served him well in his later dealings vis-à-vis Castro and Khrushchev.Despite his short service in the ‘hot seat’, in polls he’s regularly voted one of the most important Presidents ever to serve. This may be attributed to his achievements or his premature death or maybe it was his good looks, his (apparent) health and youthful vitality and his ability to connect with his audience in the new television age. Whatever the reason JFK’s star continues to shine.
What do You think about An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 (2004)?
The Kennedy's were the closest America has ever had to royalty, and it is a family filled with tragedy. JFK was pretty amazing in the fact that his presidency was only a thousand days. He had so many hidden health issues and his womanizing was notorious -- I don't believe in the current age of constant tweeting that he would have been able to hide any of it from the masses. Yet with all the underlying issues or baggage he had as our country's leader -- he was the leader at one of the most incredible phases in modern history. Some key issues his tenor had experienced were civil rights, Vietnam, communism issues in Cuba and globally, and yes, the Cold War nearing the brink of nuclear interaction or war. Some historians feel his was more personality over substance. However I feel we were very lucky to have his "cool" wherewithal during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Good book -- recommended.
—Thomas
The book was well written. Robert gives readers a rather balanced view of JFK. He indicates why the president is such an iconic American figure, while also showing his less saintly side specifically philandering behavior.One appreciates the toughness of the man and his crises decision making skills, but also disappointed with the way he put his own l(and potentially America's) political security risk by struggling to control his sexual behavior. Perhaps the take away from this book is the unsung hero, counselor Ted Sorenson's role, all those memorable speeches. A good read for Democrats and moderate Republicans
—Mduduzi Maphanga
The health problems that John F. Kennedy had were quite incredible, and it is hard to read them without having sympathy and awe for Kennedy's perseverance. Historian Robert Dallek was the first to have access to Kennedy's health records, though Seymour Hersh detailed many of Kennedy's ailments through anonymous sourcing in a book he wrote.Dallek is a good writer and presents Kennedy well. That said, this biography didn't change my own view that JFK is perhaps the most overrated president in U.S. history. His achievements seem to be more style and hype -- like his supposed vibrancy -- than reality. Meanwhile, he was Cold War warrior whose handling of civil rights, Vietnam and Cuba all left a lot to be desired.I'm also often skeptical of accounts of Kennedy's life, since it is clear that his followers have been selective over the years in the release of information about him. For instance, the deal he cut with Khrushchev during the Cuban missile crisis would certainly have been criticized at the time. It became public only years later that the U.S. agreed to remove missiles from Turkey, when the popularity of detente gave that decision a far different cast.Similarly, Kennedy's health problems, now sure to win sympathy, would have dealt a serious blow to his career if they had become known contemporaneously.
—Riley
