The speeches at last night's Al Smith Memorial Dinner--both McCain's and Obama's--were a funny, welcome pause for reflection as the 2008 Presidential campaign winds down to its close. For me, it also brought back a fond memory from 48 years ago: the speech of young U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy at that very same event on October 19, 1960.
I make no apology for the primary reason I got involved in this campaign: Barack Obama is my JFK, reborn. As to many other aspects of my life, I have much to apologize for. For example, in 1960, I was a Nixon supporter. My candidate lost, in one of the closest elections of the 20th century. But I was young, and the American people were wiser than I. It took the better part of two decades for me to realize the dangers posed to our republic by people like Richard Nixon and those with whom he surrounded himself.
We are all fortunate, however, to have access to redemption. Like most others, I was inspired--and my early life shaped--by the thousand days during which we were privileged to enjoy the leadership of President Kennedy. And for me--as for many others--November 22, 1963 began a very long and very dark period of struggle and disappointment. On that dark period, the sun appears ready to shine its bright light once more.
At the 1960 Al Smith dinner, the Kennedy wit was abundantly evident.
But I think the worst news for the Republicans this week was that Casey Stengel has been fired. [Laughter.] It must show that perhaps experience does not count. [Laughter and applause.] On this matter of experience, I had announced earlier this year that if successful I would not consider campaign contributions as a substitute for experience in appointing ambassadors. Ever since I made that statement I have not received one single cent from my father. [Laughter and applause.] One of the inspiring notes that was struck in the last debate was struck by the Vice President in his very moving warning to the children of the Nation and the candidates against the use of profanity by Presidents and ex-Presidents when they are on the stump. And I know after 14 years in the Congress with the Vice President that he was very sincere in his views about the use of profanity. But I am told that a prominent Republican said to him yesterday in Jacksonville, Fla., "Mr. President, that was a damn fine speech." [Laughter.] And the Vice President said, "I appreciate the compliment but not the language." And the Republican went on, "Yes, sir, I liked it so much that I contributed a thousand dollars to your campaign." And Mr. Nixon replied, "The hell you say." [Laughter and applause.]However, I would not want to give the impression that I am taking former President Truman's use of language lightly. I have sent him the following wire:DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have noted with interest your suggestion as to where those who vote for my opponent should go. While I understand and sympathize with your deep motivation, I. think it is important that our side try to refrain from raising the religious issue. [Laughter and applause.]John F. KennedyOctober 19, 1960
On this matter of experience, I had announced earlier this year that if successful I would not consider campaign contributions as a substitute for experience in appointing ambassadors. Ever since I made that statement I have not received one single cent from my father. [Laughter and applause.]
One of the inspiring notes that was struck in the last debate was struck by the Vice President in his very moving warning to the children of the Nation and the candidates against the use of profanity by Presidents and ex-Presidents when they are on the stump. And I know after 14 years in the Congress with the Vice President that he was very sincere in his views about the use of profanity. But I am told that a prominent Republican said to him yesterday in Jacksonville, Fla., "Mr. President, that was a damn fine speech." [Laughter.] And the Vice President said, "I appreciate the compliment but not the language." And the Republican went on, "Yes, sir, I liked it so much that I contributed a thousand dollars to your campaign." And Mr. Nixon replied, "The hell you say." [Laughter and applause.]
However, I would not want to give the impression that I am taking former President Truman's use of language lightly. I have sent him the following wire:DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have noted with interest your suggestion as to where those who vote for my opponent should go. While I understand and sympathize with your deep motivation, I. think it is important that our side try to refrain from raising the religious issue. [Laughter and applause.]John F. KennedyOctober 19, 1960
You can read the entire speech here:LINK
In 2008, this nation faces challenges no less grave than those it faced at the height of the Cold War. The times call for extraordinary leadership. My prayers now are for our nation, and for Barack Obama.
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