John Kennedy had gained world prestige by his management of
the Cuban missile crisis and had won great popularity at home.
Many believed he would win re-election easily in 1964. But on
November 22, 1963, he was assassinated while riding in an open
car during a visit to Dallas, Texas. His death, amplified by
television coverage, was a traumatic event, just as Roosevelt's
had been 18 years earlier.
In retrospect, it is clear that Kennedy's reputation stems more
from his style and eloquently stated ideals than from the
implementation of his policies. He had laid out an impressive
agenda but at his death much remained blocked in Congress. It
was largely because of the political skill and legislative
victories of his successor that Kennedy would be seen as a force
for progressive change.
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