Ofttimes, torches are not passed on, but rather pried out of the hands of past generations.
In 1960, Missouri’s own former President Harry S. Truman held a news conference to explain why he resigned as a delegate to the 1960 Democratic Convention. He accused John F. Kennedy’s campaign of turning the convention into a “prearranged affair.” He also suggested Kennedy was not ready to be president.
“Are you certain that you are quite ready for the country, or the country is ready for you, in the role of President in January 1961?,” the then 76 year-old former commander-in-chief asked the 43 year-old Kennedy. “May I urge you to be patient.”
On July 4, 1960, in response to Truman’s words, Kennedy held his own press conference.
“The world is changing. The old ways will not do,” said Kennedy. “It is time for a new generation of leadership.”
Sunday’s “Meet the Press” referenced this piece of history. We found this longer version on YouTube.
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
This was a good find Antonio. I’ve always thought of Truman (along with FDR) as the co-found of the modern Democratic party. But, not matter how important he was in bringing the country forward in the 1940s (like integrating the military) he didn’t want to the country to progress beyond his ideas. It seems like a new generation needs to take over every 20 years or so for the country to move forward.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
It’s time for a new generation of leadership indeed. I will be headed to the school building this Tuesday to vote for change. Please join me.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:37 am
JFK wanted to reduce the military and the CIA (why he was killed). Obama wants to expand both. Stop with the comparison, please. They have nothing in common.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:57 am
The Kennedy presidency was decidely a mixed bag. His assassination clouds that fact. His dealing with the expansionist Soviets was high risk/high reward, and he got the high reward.
The invasion of Cuba was a disaster. He wasn’t the one signing the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, and I believe they would have looked a little different had he remained in office.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I think Truman’s opposition had more to do with his dislike of Joe Kennedy, than with the son JFK.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Antonio, This exact point was brought to light by Tim Russert on Meet the Press sunday morning. I hope you gave him credit for it.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
You’re exactly right, Anony. That’s been corrected.