November 15, 2019
About This Episode
If you picture President Kennedy, you might imagine him sailing confidently on the sea, or charming visiting heads of state, or tackling questions from the press. But below that cool exterior, JFK was actually kind of a nerd. We speak with JFK Library archivist Stacey Chandler to get a closer look at the man behind the cool sunglasses and clever remarks.
View the transcript for this episode.
What We Talked About
- JFK's press conferences.
- Reports cards from Choate, and his letter to his dad promising he'll do better.
- JFK's favorite books as a child.
- Photos from the dinner in honor of President Truman with the pianist who played at the Potsdam Conference.
- One of many speeches to students where he quotes Otto von Bismarck (4th paragraph).
- One of JFK's quote notebooks.
- Letter about JFK's speed reading. (The conversation between JFK and Edward M. Kennedy is being digitized and will be available to listen to here.)
- If you have a story idea or want to let us know how we're doing, email us at JFK35Pod@jfklfoundation.org.