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 · 1958–19635,589 total · peak 1962 (1808)
1958: 1 quote1959: 1 quote1960: 1,690 quotes1961: 700 quotes1962: 1,808 quotes1963: 1,389 quotes
Sep 30, 1960

As long as this country lives, what Thomas Jefferson called the disease of liberty will be catching.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 30, 1960

I must say I would rather have three 12-year-old girls campaigning than I would Hubert or Orville or Gene McCarthy, because actually the things which have to be done in a campaign can be done when you are 12 years old or when you are 80.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 30, 1960

The purpose of our meeting today is a simple one to determine what steps we can take usefully here in the United States, and I have attempted to do so.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

Well, I don't consider Mr. Hoffa a labor leader. I consider him a special case.

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Sep 28, 1960

The President's trip to Russia was abruptly canceled by his hosts.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

I believe that the responsibility of our generation of Americans is to build a society here in this country so vital, so vigorous, so effective, that it serves as an example to the world.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

Well, as a matter of fact, I am flying home tonight to try to find an answer to that question.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

All this they have done in a year - in the year of the Camp David spirit.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

I do believe in effective government, and I do believe that there is a governmental policy now that affects all of our lives, education, economic and fiscal policy, foreign trade, our goals, all the rest - every phase of our national life…

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Sep 28, 1960

I think we can carry on a monetary and fiscal policy that stimulates our economy.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Sep 28, 1960

Schenectady will rise or fall, the economy of this area of the State of New York will prosper or decline, not merely on what you may do or this community, but also on what economic policies are pursued by our Government which stimulates…

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Sep 28, 1960

The security of the United States is the basic responsibility now before us, and in my judgment that security can be maintained by the United States once more standing as an example to all mankind.

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Sep 28, 1960

If you are concerned with the Republican tendency to react instead of act - to become preoccupied with only responding to communism instead of also advancing freedom - then I suggest you consider more closely the foreign policy experience…

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Sep 28, 1960

I am tired of reading every morning what Mr. Khrushchev is doing, or what Mr. Castro is doing.

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Sep 28, 1960

I think we can do a better job than has been done in recent years.

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Politicians like John Fitzgerald Kennedy