President Kennedy was a philosopher-king who embodied nearly every virtue. In addition to being honest, idealistic and devoted to the best values of the country, JFK never lost his temper. He was most always calm and was superb at handling criticism. He was unfailingly deferential and respectful of all women.
Despite this implausible hagiography, occasional lapses into candor in Mr. Sorensen’s memoir undermine the myth of shining-armor he has been polishing since November of 1963. As for honesty: Sorensen admits that Kennedy suffered from the adrenal insufficiency known as Addison’s disease and concedes that JFK. and his inner circle were “generally misleading on the matter;” that, in fact, there was a “conspiracy to conceal” the president’s condition.
These character traits not only explain Mr. Kennedy’s reckless sexual behavior in the White House, but also his approval of assassination plots and clandestine activities, and his manipulation of reporters to whom he gave classified documents in return for good news stories. The record shows John F. Kennedy was not the philosopher-king the “Camelot School” would have us idolize. Sad to say, it appears an infatuated Ted Sorensen has mistaken Kennedy’s superficial charm for true character.
