Kennedy's Popularity

Kennedy inspired the nation in a way that no other president had done. His inaugural address motivated Americans, especially young people, to serve, and this speech is often used to represent what Kennedy stood for.

Kennedy remains one of the nation's most beloved presidents. A 1975 Gallup poll revealed that 52 percent of Americans ranked him first among the presidents. Ten years later, Kennedy still held the number one spot. More recent polls confirm his standing. In 1999, Kennedy tied for second with Ronald Reagan, George Washington, and Bill Clinton. By 2000, however, the public put him right back in first.

Kennedy's Personality

Sixty percent of respondents in one poll considered Kennedy's the most appealing of presidential personalities. Kennedy's use of television displayed his public persona best. He used it to his advantage, clearly displaying his humor, wit, sincerity, and confidence.

Kennedy also enjoyed the image of a sophisticated and well-cultured family man. His public support for the arts and Jackie Kennedy's efforts behind the scenes made the White House a place where creativity was celebrated and encouraged.

Kennedy's image as a father of young children added to the public perception that he was a young and vibrant leader. One particular photo that reflected this public fascination was the image of five-year-old Caroline and two-year-old John playing in the Oval Office as Kennedy looked on.

Popularity

Forty years after his death, it is still hard to view his life and presidency objectively, and a kind of “mystique” (some would call it “glamor”) clings to his name. Perhaps glamorous Neptune in Leo (the sign of charisma and the heart) so elevated in the natal chart (conjunct the MC) contributes greatly to the optimism, uplifted vision and wistfulness which the name “President Kennedy” still awakens. Positively, John Kennedy was known for his charisma, his brilliance and facile wit, his social idealism, courage and even heroism. On the more negative side (as the contrasts in the Gemini character are often great) he was possessed by an unrelenting ambition, opportunism, and a careless morality leading to flagrant relationships with numerous women and reputed links to notorious underworld figures. It is hard to conceive of a more colorful political figure. He was widely loved and admired (an immensely popular world-figure rather than simply an American president).