JFK's Speechwriter: Obama's Address Will Be 'One Of The Greatest'

By Andrew Phelps
Jan 12, 2009, 11:28 PM
1 Comments

The inaugural speech of President Kennedy in 1961. Click any image to enlarge it.

Almost half-a-century after President John F. Kennedy delivered his enduring inauguration speech, Americans are waiting for what could be the next great presidential oration, this time from Barack Obama.

Careful thought goes into every word of an inaugural address, as a new exhibit at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum makes evident. The display contains original documents, including a handwritten draft of the speech and notes from Kennedy’s confidant and speechwriter, Ted Sorensen.

We spoke with Ted Sorensen about the drafting of Kennedy’s 1961 speech.

President Kennedy and Special Counsel Theodore C. Sorensen on March 12, 1963. (Photo courtesy of Robert Knudsen, White House/John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library)

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bob

listening to this speach brings an american back to earth. seeing how politics is being manipulated by the politicians and the press.
he spoke so clearly in this speach.. and over 40 years later.. they say alot … and nothing all in the same breath… first year i didnt vote for president.. cant even trust the press anymore.. jfk had his heart in the right place.. those days are long gone.and how would he feel about politics now?