Political Quotes

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The Public Record

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 20, 1961, until his assassination on November 22, 1963. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Massachusetts and is often remembered for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Kennedy also established the Peace Corps, promoting international service and cooperation, and he advocated for civil rights, laying the groundwork for future legislation in this area.

Quotes by year · 195819635,591 total · peak 1962 (1810)
1958: 1 quote1959: 1 quote1960: 1,690 quotes1961: 700 quotes1962: 1,810 quotes1963: 1,389 quotes
May 4, 1961

There isn't any doubt that people give--and I am talking now not about this incident, but about generally--under the expectation that they should, or it is expected of them.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 4, 1961

I do wish that some of the speeches I give would get as much attention as the speeches which I do not give.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

SEC. 4. Executive Order No. 10656 of February 6, 1956, is hereby revoked.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

May I suggest you and other appropriate officials of your government make available to our Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Lukens, more details of your thinking on an economic program for the Central African Republic.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

SECTION 1. There is hereby established the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

I am especially anxious to obtain the Board's views as to the over-all conduct and progress of the foreign intelligence effort as well as its advice as to any modifications therein which would enhance the acquisition of intelligence…

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

I can, therefore, assure you of my country's desire to be of assistance.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

I know that you and your fellow Board members can make a real contribution to the national interest by your service with this body.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

I am delighted that you have consented to serve as a member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board which is being reactivated pursuant to the Executive Order which I approved on May 4, 1961.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

I am prepared to send to your country representatives from the United States International Cooperation Administration to discuss with you and your government ways in which the United States can best respond to your request.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 3, 1961

It is my desire that the Board should meet periodically to analyze objectively the work of the Government's foreign intelligence agencies.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I believe over the long run that people do want to be free, that they desire to develop their own personalities and their own potentials, that democracy permits them to do so.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I think we are extremely fortunate to have President Bourguiba here tonight.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I hope that you all will join with me in drinking a toast to President Bourguiba.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

It is believed that the taking effect of the reorganizations included in this plan will provide for greater efficiency in the dispatch of the business of the Civil Aeronautics Board.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I want to express my appreciation to the President and to the Fellows of this University for the honor that they have bestowed upon me.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I don't think that there has ever been a time when we have had greater need for those qualities which a university produces.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

It is a great pleasure for me as President of the United States and also as a citizen of our country to welcome the President of a friendly country and a distinguished world statesman.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

This is the first state dinner that we have had for a chief of state since Mrs. Kennedy and I have come to the White House, and I must say, speaking personally and as President, there is no dinner that gives me greater satisfaction.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I think that it's most proper that the first head of state to pay an official state visit to this country in this administration should be President Bourguiba.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

This will relieve the Board members from the necessity of dealing with many matters of lesser importance and thus conserve their time for the consideration of major matters of policy and planning.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

Like President Washington, President Bourguiba is a revolutionary, and like President Washington he also, when the revolution was won, had the sense of judgment, self-discipline and strength to attempt to bring good will and peace among…

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

This is our opportunity, as well as our responsibility; and I am particularly glad to be here today when we are witnessing the swearing-in of a new President.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I want to express on behalf of our country our great pleasure in having President Bourguiba here.

presidency.ucsb.edu
May 2, 1961

I think he knows that the people of this country admire those who stand for principle, those who fight for freedom.

presidency.ucsb.edu

Politicians like John Fitzgerald Kennedy