Essay question- How would we begin to compare the Kennedy presidency with that of George W. Bush, Jr.?
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” When John F. Kennedy closed his inaugural speech with these patriotic words in 1961 the whole world stood by in admiration. With his charismatic ability to capture, motivate and inspire a nation, Kennedy is often portrayed as one of the greatest Presidents in US history. Unfortunately for George W. Bush, Jr. his speeches are not so appealing. Often dubbed as the dumbest President in US history, Bush is no stranger to ridicule. What is most fascinating about the Kennedy and Bush presidency however is that they are not so different after all, the real difference is the way in which they are portrayed. Would Kennedy have been so popular had he not been assassinated and carried out a full two terms in office?
This essay should compare and contrast the presidency of JFK and George W Bush, Jr. Start off with having a look at how they are portrayed differently and why e.g. charisma, involvement in war (Cuban missile crisis for JFK and Iraq war for George W. Bush)and then move to how they are perhaps not so different, personal problems- JFK alleged drug abuse, multiple affairs. GWB- alcoholic, DUI charges etc. The question is, would Kennedy have been so popular had he not been assassinated and carried out a full two terms in office. A good source to look at if you can find it is Second Term Blues- How George W. Bush Has Governed (Hardcover)by John C. Fortier (Editor), Norman J. Ornstein (Editor).
Please make sure this essay is properly structured. Try not to use too many large quotes as this is a small essay. You should try to form a strong argument and state this in the introduction clearly without sounding patronizing. Also, try not to use Internet sources that are not scholarly approved.
