Inaugural addresses as a group are largely forgettable. The event was sponsored by hunter college young democrats. The most memorable phrase from kennedys speech is, of course. This paper provides a rhetorical analysis of president john f. Sorensen s assertion that kennedy is the sole author was based on sorensen s feeling that the ideas and values of the speech all reflect kennedys thinking, as. Overall, ted sorensens kennedy offers a compelling journey for readers interested in and already somewhat familiar with john f.
Theodore chaikin sorensen, whose prose mingled with the thoughts and words of his close friend john f. By invoking the american dream and extending its promise to the rest of the world, kennedys speech was an inspirational call to action that resonates even today. In some ways, if youre hoping to pick up a thing or two by reading about other speechwriters, its probably a mistake to start with ted sorensens biography of kennedy sorensen. Kennedy is remembered for more than its tragic end 50 years ago. Some of kennedys most memorable speeches, from his inaugural address to his promise to place a. Kennedy and a widely published author on the presidency and.
The speech was crafted by kennedy and his speech writer ted sorensen. Kennedy in kennedys 1968 presidential campaign his speech which was held during rfks presidential campaign. Kennedy of massachusetts hired a twentyfouryearold from nebraska as his number two legislative assistanton a trial basis. Jfks inaugural address taken from the kennedy presidential library on january 20, 1961 a clerk of the u. Kennedy 196163, serving as an influential innercircle adviser, special counsel, and speechwriter who. Nebraska native ted sorensens role in kennedy white house.
Evaluated as a unique, if sympathetic, window into the last eleven years of jfks life and inner circle, this book is often outstanding. Kennedy in 1953 and continued to work for him as an advisor and speechwriter until his assassination as president in 1963. Kennedys longtime adviser ted sorensen died this weekend at the age of 82. The draft allows us to see, in a new way, the evolution of the speech. Ted sorensen, i dont want people to think im a windbag. Kennedy features original documents from the librarys collections and includes. Speech writer ted sorensen knew jfks ideas, and they cooperated closely on the speeches of the administration. Oct 31, 2010 ted sorenson, kennedy adviser and speechwriter, dead at 82 theodore sorensen, a speechwriter and close adviser to president john f. Kennedys inaugural address plot summary course hero. Ted sorensen, in full theodore chaikin sorensen, american lawyer and presidential speechwriter born may 8, 1928, lincoln, neb.
Sorensen, former special counsel and adviser to president john f. Ted sorensen was born in lincoln, nebraska, and after law school moved to washington, d. Chief justice, president eisenhower, vice president nixon, president truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens. Be that as it may, kennedys eloquent and often acclaimed inaugural address. Kennedys inaugural address is frequently praised as one.
As preparation, at kennedys request, sorensen studied the most memorable presidential speeches of american history, including other inaugural addresses and abraham lincolns wartime gettysburg address. Overall, ted sorensen s kennedy offers a compelling journey for readers interested in and already somewhat familiar with john f. This is the speech he delivered announcing the dawn of a new era as young americans born in the 20th century first assumed leadership of the nation. Though not the shortest of inaugural addresses, kennedys was shorter than most at 1,355 words in length and, like lincolns famous speech, was comprised of short phrases and words. Kennedy reportedly told his speech writer, ted sorensen, that he wanted this inaugural speech. Ted sorensen, jfks unitarian speechwriter in kennedys inaugural address, he concludes saying, with history the final judge of our deeds. Sorensen served on the advisory board of the national security network.
He then went on to obtain a law degree from nebraskas college of law. Jan 15, 2009 jfk, fdr, and the secret history of how a great inaugural address is written presidents can get their due credit even when we know about their collaborators. The net news special reporting project jfk revisited talks with nebraska historians and political scientists about the kennedy legacy, especially how we see and perceive the presidency. Former clinton scribe mark katz remembers his eloquence. Prepared by the department of education and public programs, john f. Nebraskan ted sorensen, kennedys speech writer by mike tobias, net news lincoln native ted sorensen was a longtime aide and speech writer for john f. His historic words, ask not what your country can do for you ask. Jfks selection of advisors reflected the strengths and weaknesses of his own policy experience. Kennedy used rhetorical devices in his inaugural address to show america that he was best for the job. Kennedy hielt seine einzige amtsantrittsrede am 20. John f kennedy or better known as jfk by his initials was the 35th president of the united states. Kenny recalled the splendor of the occasion and the forceful. Ted sorensen, who died on october 31 aged 82, was the strategist and political speech writer behind john f kennedy in his successful campaign for the american presidency in. He assigned sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches and.
The man who actually wrote that speech, ted sorensen, died just three months ago. President kennedys inaugural speech addressed not only the american people, but. Kennedy had sorensen study president abraham lincoln s gettysburg address as well as other inaugural speeches. Kennedys administration, a writer and counselor who did much to shape the presidents narrative, image and. Fdrs the only thing we have to fear is fear itself and jfks ask not. On january 20, 1961, john fitzgerald kennedy delivered one of americas few standout inaugural addresses and one of the finest speeches in american history. The art of wordswhat jfk can teach us about speech.
President kennedys dictation, taken down by his secretary on january 10, in a combination of shorthand and long hand. Kennedy presidential library and museum historical background and context fifty years ago on january 20th, a clerk of the u. Some of kennedys most memorable speeches, from his inaugural address to his promise to place a man on the moon, resulted from such. Born in lincoln, nebraska and graduate of university of nebraska law school sorenson went to work for senator john f. Theodore ted sorensen took a keen interest in politics and as a young man he had been influenced by the career of george norris. In late may, kennedy tasked ted sorensen with writing a speech that would do two things.
He also provided some assistance with president obamas 2009 inaugural address. Kennedys inaugural address, certainly, is one speech for which the 35th president is remembered. On april 21, 1968 ted sorensen, speechwriter for president john f. Ask not what your country can do for you jfk library. Tofel recounts sorensen s brilliance in penning kennedys famous inaugural address. Includes images of original primary source documents, lesson plans, teacher and student competitions, and educational resources.
Kennedys inaugural address on january 20th, 1961 and it signifies his formal induction into the white house. Kennedy to create some of the most memorable presidential speeches. He assigned sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches. Analyzing the rhetoric of jfks inaugural address jfk library. Kennedys administration, sorensen, 80, was jfks legal. The finelycrafted final speech had been revised and reworked numerous times by kennedy and sorensen until the presidentelect was satisfied.
Kennedys reading copy of the inaugural address, page. This was the 44th inauguration and marked the commencement of john f. As hed remarked to his close advisor, ted sorensen, i dont want people to. Jfks selection of advisors reflected the strengths. He had delegated his aide ted sorensen to read all the previous presidential inaugurals, with the additional brief of trying to crack the.
Sorensen cited the 1961 inaugural address as one of kennedys. The art of wordswhat jfk can teach us about speech writing by guest author. Now, heres the thing about ted sorensen, whom kennedy called his intellectual blood. Inaugural address ask not what your country can do for you track info. Sorensen was deeply involved in the creation of the speech, and others made important contributions as well. Anaphora ethos pathos logos comparison antithesis metaphors and hyperboles kennedy uses. Sorensens kennedywere penned by those who occupied. Kennedy served at the height of the cold war, and the majority of his work as president concerned relations with the soviet union and cuba.
Sep 26, 2008 in his inaugural address, kennedy pledges to support liberty, commit to allies, avoid tyranny, aid the underprivileged throughout the world, and strengthen the americas. Analyzing the rhetoric of jfks inaugural address pdf. He helped draft the inaugural address where kennedy said, ask not what your country can do for you. Included is the type of text it is, where it was first spoken, and the main objective. Jfk inaugural speech ethos, pathos, and logos historical context rhetorical devices this speech is historical because it is john f. As hed remarked to his close advisor, ted sorensen. Kennedy once called him his intellectual blood bank. It wasnt even his best, but kennedys inaugural address was still worldchanging says ted sorenson, jfks primary speechwriter. Jun 19, 20 the story behind jfks ask not inauguration speech. Aug 14, 2019 to learn more about the rhetoric and oratory of john kennedy and ted sorensen, have a look at thurston clarkes ask not. Kennedy first hired ted sorensen as a researcher to help him while was. Nov 01, 2010 theodore chaikin sorensen, whose prose mingled with the thoughts and words of his close friend john f. During his tenure, he had accomplished many things including the making of the peace corps.
Ted sorensen will be paying special attention to barack obamas inaugural address on tuesday. Kennedys inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. Ted sorensen on writing jfks speeches ted sorensen. To learn more about the rhetoric and oratory of john kennedy and ted sorensen, have a look at thurston clarkes ask not. Nebraska native ted sorensen s role in kennedy white house went far beyond speeches. Kennedy took the oath of office to become the nations 35th president. Jfk s inaugural address was worldchanging it wasnt even his best, but kennedys inaugural speech was wise and courageous, writes the presidents primary speechwriter.
Jfk s inaugural address was worldchanging it wasnt even his best, but kennedys inaugural speech was wise and courageous, writes. May 22, 2008 ted sorensen on writing jfks speeches ted sorensen. Ted sorensen one of the last surviving members of john f. Supreme court held the large fitzgerald family bible as john f. Text version below transcribed directly from audio vice president johnson, mr. Kennedy prepare his address, aide ted sorensen read all the past such speeches. Oct 31, 2010 ted sorensen, wordsmith aide to john f. Irish memeories of late ted sorensen, kennedys speechwriter.
Jfk, fdr, and the secret history of how a great inaugural. Jfks inaugural address was worldchanging it wasnt even his best, but kennedys inaugural speech was wise and courageous, writes the. Til ted sorensen was a speechwriter for president john f. Ted sorenson, kennedy adviser and speechwriter, dead at 82. Analyzing the rhetoric of jfks inaugural address topic. A highlight of the new frontier was the june 26, 1963, speech in west berlin in which kennedy memorably declared, ich bin ein berliner. Kennedy and ted sorensen does not include what may have been the greatest contribution sorensen made to history he drafted the letter to nikita.
Kennedy defeated richard nixon by a narrow margin and became americas youngest elected president. A speech writer for the president sorensen accompanied jfk on his. On january 18, 1961, ted sorensen s secretary typed a 14page final version which was placed in a black threering binder. Kennedys inaugural address, ahead of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Like all presidential speeches in the modern era, this speech was not solely the work of the president, but of a team of contributors, most especially ted sorenson. Smarter faster big think is the leading source of expertdriven. This speech was delivered on friday, january 20, 1961. Very active in his campaign, sorensen spoke early on and frequently about the similarities between senator barack obamas and senator john f.
Kennedy to create some of the most memorable presidential speeches of the 20th century, died. Jan 20, 2011 ted sorensen, kennedys counselor and speechwriter, died last fall. John fitzgerald kennedy may 29, 1917 november 22, 1963, often referred to by his initials jfk and jack, was an american politician who served as the 35th president of the united states from january 1961 until his assassination in november 1963. Kennedys administration, a writer and counselor who did much to shape the presidents narrative, image and legacy, died sunday in manhattan. As sorenson was also s a major adviser of robert f. He assigned sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches and lincolns g ettysburg address to glean the secrets of successful addresses. Well known for the line ask not what your country can do for you, the speech offers. Presidential inaugural address delivered 20 january 1961 authenticity certified. Kennedys speech in 1961 was one of the shortest but most powerful addresses made by a president. Sorensen developed leftwing political views and was member of the americans for democratic action.
Kennedys inaugural address 1961 vice president johnson, mr. Kennedy as the 35th president of the united states was held on friday, january 20, 1961 at the east portico of the united states capitol in washington, d. He left the white house soon after jfks death, and in 1966 joined a new york city law firm, where, as a prominent international lawyer, he advised governments, multinational organizations, and major. Featuring 100 milestone documents of american history from the national archives. Things with ted sorensen are more complicated than they appear. Kennedy presidential library and museum analyzing the r hetoric of jfks inaugural address topic. Ted sorensen, noted in his memoirs, time and again kennedy. Kennedy as the 35th president of the united states was held on. Legendary kennedy speechwriter ted sorensen passed away on sunday at age 82. I dont want people to think im a windbag he assigned sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches and lincolns gettysburg address to glean the secrets of successful addresses. Ted sorensen, jfks unitarian speechwriter uu world magazine. Although kennedys main speechwriter, ted sorensen 19282010, credits authorship of the inaugural address to kennedy alone, the speech is the result of many minds working together. John f kennedy served in office from january 1961 to november 1963. Kennedy, is gone, and the family is absent from congress for the first time since 1946.
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