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
Jan 29, 1961

All this is cause for concern--but it is not cause for panic.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 29, 1961

We cannot afford to waste idle hours and empty plants while awaiting the end of the recession.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 28, 1961

Now, if the busiest man in Washington would administer the oath of office.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 28, 1961

All of the positions which are held by the men who are being sworn today, and by those of you in the audience who have been sworn before, are all extremely important; and the kind of work that you do is vital to the success of this…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 28, 1961

One of the unsatisfactory features of a most satisfactory and interesting job has been the fact that we have had a chance to see--and perhaps that will also be true in the future--comparatively few members of this administration.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 26, 1961

Both here at home and abroad, I want to re-emphasize most strongly the tradition of the United States as a humanitarian sanctuary, and the many times it has extended its hand and material help to those who are 'exiles for conscience's…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 26, 1961

In the presently troubled world, we cannot be a peacemaker if we are not also the protector of those individuals as well as nations who cast with us their personal liberty and hopes for the future.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

We are ready and anxious to cooperate with all who are prepared to join in genuine dedication to the assurance of a peaceful and a more fruitful life for all mankind.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

The Secretary of Agriculture shall take immediate steps to expand and improve the program of food distribution throughout the United States.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

They are all patriotic men who are devoted to the welfare of this country.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

The efforts of the United States Government will be directed toward this imperative goal.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

One of the most important and urgent problems confronting this Nation today is the development of a positive food and nutrition program for all Americans.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

I WANT to thank the Chief Justice for his help today and for his good work.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 20, 1961

Please accept this expression of my appreciation for your kind message of congratulations on the occasion of my inauguration as President of the United States of America.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

congress.gov
Jan 19, 1961

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Jan 19, 1961

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Dec 31, 1960

Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. Our requirements for world leadership, our hopes for economic growth, and the demands of citizenship itself in an era such as this all require the maximum…

congress.gov

Politicians like John Fitzgerald Kennedy