How do different perspectives interpret the life, politics and influence of John F. Kennedy?

Answer 1

If you are referring to the historiography surrounding JFK, then there are a few...

The 'participants' - those close to Jack, often wrote lovingly of the man they respected and loved, so soon after his death a host of 'participants' wrote praising the matryd President. Ted Sorenson's "Kennedy" and Athur Schlesinger's "A Thousand Days" to name a few. At this point no-one would criticise a man who has so recently been murdered, you cant speak ill of the dead and all. Unfulfilled potential, great man, champion of civil rights and composed and intelligent foreign policy.

Then the 'revisionists' came along around the 70's and 80's, as soon as classified documents were released and challenged the premise of Camelot and the martyr. They became critical of his image. Like Lewis Paper's "The Promise and Performance" or Bruce Miroff's "Pragmatic Illusions", claiming he was all talk and no action, and how he failed so miserably in areas like civil rights and Cuba and blaming him for Vietnam

Recently more balanced and unbiased works have been released, like Robert Dallak's "An Unfinished Life". Its an excellent, detailed, unbiased and full account of the life of JFK.

Answer 2

Open-ended carousel conundrum. Conclusion: rich boy bites the bullet, after biting off more than he could chew.

But he was momentarily 'charming'.