Introduction
The Kennedy family especially Edward (Ted) Kennedy and John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) remain popular in the USA’s political arena for their ambitions, accomplishments, flaws and tragedies. The Kennedy’s legacy is intertwined in the American way of life in customs that are unlikely to disappear. JFK remains famous for his techniques in the call to service, his leadership style and his death as the second USA president to be assassinated in the 20th century. Edward Kennedy, on the other hand, is known for his efforts as a lawmaker evident by dozens of laws that bear his name or imprint. Edward Kennedy inspired the law that ensured a multicultural and multihued society that impacted the election of USA first black president in Barack Obama. The Kennedys have remained idolized and romanticized in American culture and have been for decades made headlines as the second coming of Camelot. The paper explores the political and historical legacy of Edward Kennedy and JFK.
The Legacy of JFK
Scholars and historians that dedicated their time and resources in exploring the life, legacy and career of John Fitzgerald Kennedy remain in a dilemma since his highly popularized legendary persona in most cases overwhelms his accomplishments as a politician. JFK was the thirty-fifth president of the United States. More than a century after his birth in 1917 and more than five decades after his famous death, JFK remains one of the most popular, admired and symbolically resonate presidents in American history. Undeniably, opinion polls from the general public indicate that Americans consider him one of the greatest chiefs in commander since Abraham Lincoln (El-Gingly, 2017). Similarly, while historians do not hold him in such high regard, research indicates he is ranked among the top ten in the same caliber as Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan both of which served two full terms unlike the case of JFK.
John F. Kennedy, known as Jack by the family members, was born on May 29th 1917 to a Catholic family with Irish descent. He enjoyed a privileged childhood since his father, Joseph Kennedy Sr., had various active investments. In 1936 he joined Harvard University and later in 1941 JFK enrolled in the American Navy where two years later he was labelled a hero having won against the Japanese Destroyer (Kazin, 2017). JFK used his story of heroism to his advantage in his campaign to Congress in 1946 and many other campaigns including the presidential.
An essential aspect in JFK political career was his family’s riches and sway that he used to his benefit in his first campaign to the Congress. JFK used his family’s resources for not only administrative costs of the campaign but also advertising. Kennedy served three terms in the Congress, but he did not make any significant impact since he did not believe the House of Representatives accorded him enough opportunities to impact changes (Craig, 2013). However, it is recorded he often voted and supported the underprivileged. He focused and defended civil liberties that entailed equity and fairness for all Americans. Indeed, in his years in Congress, JFK advocated for better healthcare, subsidized housing, school lunch program and affordable rent (Kazin, 2017). These were issues that appealed many of the voters since a majority belonged to the low-income class. JFK was sometimes conservative or liberal depending on the subject but most times he agreed and supported the liberal democrats.
JFK decided to run for Senate in 1951. His senatorial campaign was well organized and the family particularly his father and sisters played an active role in his success. His main themes of the campaign were Massachusetts economy, government expenditure, anticommunism and he started venturing in civil rights issues. In January 1953, JFK was sworn in as senator. During his years in the Senate, JFK continued to support economic matters such as the rise of the minimum wage in addition to voicing support for civil rights although many historians attribute his standpoint to his political ambitions.
John F. Kennedy formally declared his candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination on 2nd January 1960. In his announcement speech, he emphasized his service to the USA for almost two decades and validated his experience to various trips abroad and years in both the Congress and the Senate. In his campaign, he emphasized civil rights for not only morality but also in efforts of achieving an outstanding international presence. Due to deterioration in the American-Soviet relations, addressing foreign issues was an essential part of JFK presidential campaign. The international political scene was so complicated that former President Truman urged JFK to reconsider his candidacy citing that a more mature and experienced president would be more suited for the job (Craig, 2013). Another critical moment associated with the 1960 elections is the aspect of televised debate which worked in favor of JFK having been brought up in the public eye.
Unlike other leaders that took a passive role in their responsibilities as commanders in chief, Kennedy held the belief that the progress in the society, particularly in American history in not only domestic activities but also international affairs are initiated and maintained by the presidents. During his presidency, the USA was characterized with prosperity owing to the economic boom that began at the end of the Second World War. Indeed, individuals were earning more income, most individuals graduated high school, and the concept of media, particularly television had a significant impact on society. However, there were aspects of social unrest due to several reasons such as varying opinions on the war in Vietnam (Craig, 2013). Additionally, the cultural values of the American community were questioned. In addition to domestic issues, Kennedy had to deal with aspects of the international political scene, which at the time was unstable and relatively complicated.
While his campaign emphasized civil rights, JFK as president focused on focused on the global situation particularly the threat of spreading Communist influence and nuclear confrontation in his first two years in office. However, despite the passive engagement of JFK administration in civil rights legislation, he advocated for the appointment of African-Americans in key government positions. Moreover, JFK focused on voting rights and saw voting as an essential element in the fight against segregation in the USA. In June 1963, JFK sent his civil rights bill to the Congress (El-Gingly, 2017). While JFK had little ideology beyond his anti-communism and belief in the importance of an active government, he remains popular not only because of his highly publicized assassination but also because of his activist philosophy and strong leadership style. While he was president for only two years and ten months, JFK made an impact in the American presidential campaign and leadership and subsequently the American way of life.
The Legacy of Edward Kennedy
Edward M Kennedy, known by many as Ted Kennedy, was John F. Kennedy’s brother born in 1932. He was the last born son of Joseph and Rose Kennedy born when his mother was 41 years old since as a dedicated Catholic she refused to explore the option of birth control. As we have established in the case of JFK, Joseph Kennedy Sr. Intended for each of his sons to dedicated themselves to a life of public service and often provided both financial and moral support to those ends (Cordell, 2009). Kennedy was a Democratic Senator from Massachusetts who served for almost five decades. Edward M Kennedy first appeared in Congress back in 1963 with a commitment to fairness, justice and equality in addition to a dedication to energy. He was re-elected for seven times. Kennedy was liberal in his opinions and is well-known as a key political figure in American politics. In the analysis of Edward M legacy, there are various answers since as a senator he was actively involved in multiple sectors from health to immigration to civil rights. Undeniably, his core influence to the American politics is the fact that “he got things done.”
Indeed, during his various terms in office as a senator, Kennedy together with his staff lead to the enactment of more than 300 bills into laws. Moreover, it is documented that Edward Kennedy authored more than 2,500 bills (Cordell, 2009). He was involved in almost all the proposals put forth either by the Democrats or those that enjoyed bi-partisan support. It is due to his successful engagement with bills that were made into laws that earned him respect and reputation not only among his peers but also in the general public. Kennedy support for the healthcare system in the USA was evident throughout his career. He advocated and championed the aspect of universal health care (Sarfaty, 2009). He was conscious of the challenges the American people faced in efforts of accessing healthcare particularly low-income earners.
Many of the causes that Kennedy supported were intended to enact social change for every American irrespective of socio-economic status, income level, gender or race. He was a tireless advocated for equality and social justice thus his efforts to enact bills that would improve the quality of life of the American people particularly those in unfortunate situations. Undeniably, his regard of the underprivileged despite being brought up in a privileged family as was the case of his brother JFK showcase his dedication to public service. Essentially, Kennedy championed for the advancement of the social, political and economic environment of the USA.
While he was respected due to his ability to accomplish the things he set out to do, Kennedy was not always liked particularly by Republicans who he often opposes in his efforts to pass various bills into laws. Additionally, his openness about his beliefs and ability to take actions to achieve goals that align with his opinions led to lack of popularity among his peers. His dedication to his beliefs often led and extreme party division even in matters that often necessitate bi-partisan support (Cordell, 2009). Kennedy championed many of the Democratic beliefs that he was often recognized and categorized as the figurehead of the party. However, despite the opposition, he faced from other parties he managed to work well in situations that required bipartisan support. While he is recognized as the Democratic Party icon, the opposing sides acknowledge that he was often diplomat in dealing with and addressing those who did not share in his opinions (Sarfaty, 2009). Although many aspects taint Kennedy’s achievements such as his family tragedies and the Chappaquiddick issue in 1968 where the senator waited more than nine hours to report a fatal accident that killed one of his colleagues, his enduring legacy is evident in his legislative influence in America.
Conclusion
While the two brothers were brought up in the same household, they had different personalities, approaches to life in general and politics in particular as such distinguishing their legacies. Undeniably, JFK enjoyed the attention associated with the media scrutiny of his life both as a senator and a president. His political legacy is grounded on efforts in international politics and limited dedication to civil rights. However, the fact that he served for a shorter term might be the reason of the harsh characterization compared to his brother that went beyond his family’s tragedies and personal excesses to an extensive legislative contribution to the USA. Edward Kennedy served as a senator for 47 years with accomplishments that reflect this timeline. While JFK remains idolized for his campaign techniques, assassination and a short-term in office, Edward Kennedy is recognized for the extensive contribution to American law.
References
Cordell, M. (2009, August 26). The legacy of Senator Edward Kennedy. Retrieved from Un Dispatch: https://www.undispatch.com/the-legacy-of-senator-edward-kennedy/
Craig, C. (2013). Kennedy’s international legacy, fifty years on. International Affairs, 89(6), 1367-1378.
El-Gingly, Y. (2017, May 28). John F Kennedy’s legacy: 100 years on. Retrieved from Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/jfk-john-f-kennedy-legacy-100-years-on-us-president-assassination-centennial-a7756826.html
Kazin, M. (2017). An idol and once a president: John F. Kennedy at 100. Journal of American History, 104(3), 707-726.
Sarfaty, M. (2009). Senator Kennedy’s legacy to US health and healthcare. New England Journal of Medicine, 361(16), 1-3.
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