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Historian Mark White recently discussed the complexities surrounding President John F. Kennedy in his biography, Icon, Libertine, Leader, during an episode of the HistoryExtra podcast. White presents a nuanced portrayal of Kennedy as a skilled leader who, at times, was transformative. However, he contrasts this with remarks about Kennedy’s personal life, which he likens to the extravagances of early Roman emperors.
According to White, Kennedy’s “sexual waywardness” is not merely a minor detail; it was a central aspect of his private existence, characterized by a boldness that was striking, if not reckless.
Kennedy’s Riskiest Affairs
In examining Kennedy’s legacy, historians in the 1970s and 1980s began to dismantle his carefully crafted public persona as a man of integrity. This effort gained momentum particularly after revelations emerged in the wake of his assassination in 1963. White notes that these disclosures depicted a figure entangled in numerous affairs, causing many to reconsider the notion of Kennedy as an exemplary character.
One notable example provided by White is the affair with Judith Campbell, who was involved with both Kennedy and Sam Giancana, a prominent figure in the Chicago Mafia, from 1960 to 1962. White observes that such a connection with organized crime posed significant risks to national security, labeling it a major miscalculation on Kennedy’s part.
Another risky entanglement was with Ellen Rometsch in 1963. Described as a model from West Germany, Rometsch was married to a German air force sergeant, but unbeknownst to Kennedy, she had origins in communist East Germany. While White clarifies that she was not a spy, he highlights that the potential for sexual blackmail through espionage was a legitimate risk, raising questions about her motivations.
Additionally, Kennedy’s involvement with Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe stands out. Despite differing accounts regarding their affair’s timeline, White asserts that the relationship occurred, framing it as part of Kennedy’s audacious character. He asserts that these episodes warrant more than mere salacious gossip; they reflect a willingness to engage in behavior that could endanger not only his administration but national integrity as well.
How History Has Viewed Kennedy’s Philandering
The challenge of reconciling Kennedy’s private failings with his political legacy has troubled many historians and biographers. White examines this generational shift in perceptions, starting with the “Camelot School,” which romanticized Kennedy following his death. His widow, Jackie Kennedy, strategically likened her husband’s legacy to that of King Arthur, creating a mythos around his presidency.
However, by the later decades of the 20th century, incidents involving Kennedy’s personal indiscretions, coupled with the Vietnam War’s aftermath, dismantled this idealized vision. A new interpretation emerged, dubbed the “Counter-Camelot” perspective, which characterized Kennedy as a Cold Warrior driven by a flawed disposition and reckless tendencies.
Did Kennedy’s Affairs Affect His Leadership?
White believes Kennedy’s personal character was marked by extraordinary recklessness, yet he argues that it is simplistic to define him solely through his sexual escapades. He presents Kennedy as a multi-faceted figure with bravery and an ability to learn and adapt.
Significantly, White highlights how Kennedy evolved during his presidency, particularly during critical moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis, which reshaped his approach, making him a more tempered leader. In civil rights matters, Kennedy demonstrated growth and moral clarity, responding strongly after witnessing the harsh realities of segregation in Birmingham, Alabama.
Interestingly, White points out that many past presidents were not strangers to extramarital affairs, suggesting a pattern in presidential behavior that extends beyond just Kennedy.
“They Can’t Get Me While I’m Alive”
White posits that the public’s fascination with JFK’s personal indiscretions stems largely from his charismatic image rather than a universal tendency to scrutinize all presidential private lives. While presenting himself as a devoted family man, Kennedy conducted affairs, including some within the White House. White notes that his involvement with at least four women in the White House highlights the duplicity of his public and private personas.
The media landscape of the time permitted this dissonance, as journalists largely refrained from delving into politicians’ personal lives, which allowed Kennedy to operate without significant political repercussions. White cites a Kennedy quip indicating his mindset: ‘They can’t get me while I’m alive, and when I’m dead, it’s not something I’m really bothered about.’ This reflects a casual recklessness regarding his personal actions.
Yet, White contends that such behavior did not impede Kennedy’s decisive political choices. In fact, Kennedy’s governance exhibited caution and deliberate caution, as seen during significant events like the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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For White, understanding Kennedy necessitates embracing this paradox. His presidency combined a powerful, carefully crafted public persona with deep moral complexities. “You can’t understand why he’s elected president without reference to that image,” White notes, emphasizing the intoxicating charisma that defined Kennedy’s leadership.
Mark White is a professor of history at Queen Mary, University of London, and the author of Icon, Libertine, Leader (Bloomsbury Academic, 2024). He discussed these themes in depth during a conversation on the HistoryExtra podcast.
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