John Kennedy actually said...

The United States must be strong; not 'Strong, if,' not 'Strong, when,' not 'Strong enough, but,' but 'Strong first.'

Rear Platform Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy, 'Pathways to Peace,' Fresno, CA

09/08/1960

More John Kennedy Quotes

Our relations are that of allies and partners by choice

Our task I believe, Mr. President, is to prove that the free life and the abundant life go hand in hand

The purpose of the governments of Brazil and the United States since revolutionary days has been to maintain that free life

We also want to express our high esteem for you personally for having taken over the affairs of your country at a critical time