In the years since the thousand days many questions have been raised and are still being studied about John F. Kennedy. A Life of John F. Kennedy: A Question of Character is a book written by Thomas C. Reeves, in which Reeves discusses these issues. JFK was a great man, and yet there are still some things that one must take into consideration. His morality was always somewhat of an uncertainty; be that as it may, these questions are still not openly discussed. People were always taken aback by his personality, good looks, and youth. After his death, it was quite difficult for most people to accept some of the newly discovered negative information about him. The man meant so much to some people that it was impossible to say something less than perfect. But all the same, facts can not be denied.

While one may think that each is responsible for his or her actions, that is not always the case. Much of Jack's character develops and originates from his family. He applied these beliefs to his life as well as his presidency. His great grandfather Joseph Kennedy's indifference toward people, and the will to do anythin

Overall, Jack's running around with women proved an embarrassment to the position of Chief Executive. It endangered the White House, and made the whole administration an easy target for black mail (418-19). Had Kennedy lived to see another term it is probable that other nations would have discovered his extramarital affairs. As a result America would have lost all the respect that had taken so many centuries to acquire.

concern only skin deep? Or was there more to the

Reeves, Thomas C. A Question of Character: A Life of John F.

All things considered, the president should represent all that society holds prominent. If that man does not exemplify this and can not be a good role model, then he has no right being president. The leader of America is expected to uphold the highest possible virtues and that is where character plays a key role. Therefore image and reality must be one, and the leader of the free world must live up to the values he sets, and those set by the people.

Work Cited

Last of his more important affairs was with Marilyn Monroe. The affair with her started sometime in the 1950's. It was so obvious then what was going on that they were warned to keep things quiet, but they refused to listen to the advice they were given. (319). There was one time where Jack, his brother Bobby, and a couple of other male friends showed up at her door (320) undoubtedly for some kind of sexual favors. Jack's adultery made him appear as some sort of playboy and pimp rather than a man of honest dignity and credibility, which was supposed to be the president.

In spite of some obvious differences between his acting and the reality, John F. Kennedy was probably one of the most liked presidents. During and after his era people felt inspired to go out and make a difference. JFK had a look to him that made him likable to others. One may even say he was a people person. He had the ability to enrapture people with his capriciousness and elegant personality. Therefore much of the books written about Kennedy felt that his unblemished reputation was important to keep. Maybe this is because the authors were often close friends of Kennedy. As a result not all of the books told the complete truth about some of the fundamentals before and during JFK's presidency. While on the other hand, other authors, who were close to JFK, did disclose a lot of information, which is how most of the crimination today, is known. The congressional investigation in 1975, generated some alarming questions concerning Jack's character (Reeves xii). Consequently, a greater gap could be seen between the image presented to the public and that of the factual. Despite his superlative leadership and his portrayal as a great and morally sound-man, John F. Kennedy was really a man with lack of ethical values and integrity.

On top of all of that Jack appointed forty blacks for important government positions in order to appear conscientious about black rights (249). His campaign promises to blacks were never fulfilled because it was politically disadvantageous (337). Nevertheless, throughout the campaign no one knew the real Kennedy's "manipulation of issues, unrestrained spending, vote fraud, Mafia, and dishonesty about his intellectual achievements" (215).

dignified public servant, faithful husband,

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Approximate Word count = 3146
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)