While the public considers Kennedy one of the greatest leaders, historians have reservations about whether he deserves such notable praise. They point out that Kennedy failed to enact momentous legislation. Although he averted a nuclear war during the missile crisis, created the Peace Corps, and negotiated a test ban treaty, most historians do not believe these accomplishments are enough to make him one of America's greatest presidents. In fact, among the academic community he has been commonly referred to as overrated. In 2000, seventy-eight scholars ranked him at number eighteen out of forty-two presidents, near the bottom of the above-average list.
Kennedy, however, did accomplish one thing no other president had. He confronted the stigma attached to his faith and convinced a majority of Americans that they did not need to be afraid of a Catholic in the White House. With this action, Kennedy broke down political barriers for all minorities, not just Catholics.
No matter what the scholars think of Kennedy, the public has remained steadfast in its fascination. Not even the exposure of his womanizing and his secret health problems could destroy the public's affection for Kennedy.
Kennedy, however, did accomplish one thing no other president had. He confronted the stigma attached to his faith and convinced a majority of Americans that they did not need to be afraid of a Catholic in the White House. With this action, Kennedy broke down political barriers for all minorities, not just Catholics.
No matter what the scholars think of Kennedy, the public has remained steadfast in its fascination. Not even the exposure of his womanizing and his secret health problems could destroy the public's affection for Kennedy.
