The Making of a Catholic President by Casey Shaun;

Author:Casey, Shaun;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA - OSO
Published: 2009-03-09T16:00:00+00:00

7

A LION IN A DEN

OF DANIELS

Kennedy accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination on July 15 in Los Angeles, where he delivered the famous “New Frontier” speech. Six paragraphs into the speech, he highlighted the role of his faith:

I am fully aware of the fact that the Democratic Party, by nominating someone of my faith, has taken what many regard as a new and hazardous risk—new, at least, since 1928. But look at it this way: the Democratic Party has once again placed its confidence in the American people, and in their ability to render a free, fair judgment. And you have, at the same time, placed your confidence in me, and in my ability to render a free, fair judgment—to uphold the Constitution and my oath of office—and to reject any kind of religious pressure or obligation that might directly or indirectly interfere with my conduct of the Presidency in the national interest. My record of fourteen years supporting public education— supporting complete separation of church and state—and resisting pressure from any source on any issue should be clear by now to everyone.

I hope that no American, considering the really critical issues facing this country, will waste his franchise by voting either for me or against me solely on account of my religious affiliation. It is not relevant, I want to stress, what some other political or religious leader may have said on this subject. It is not relevant what abuses may have existed in other countries or in other times. It is not relevant what pressures, if any, might conceivably be brought to bear on me. I am telling you now what you are entitled to know: that my decisions on every public policy will be my own—as an American, a Democrat, and a free man.1

He returned to religion at the end:

It has been a long road from that first snowy day in New Hampshire to this crowded convention city. Now begins another long journey, taking me into your cities and homes all over America. Give me your help, your hand, your voice, your vote. Recall with me the words of Isaiah: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary.”

As we face the coming great challenge, we too, shall wait upon the Lord, and ask that He renew our strength. Then shall we be equal to the test. Then we shall not be weary. Then we shall prevail.2

While the speech projected hope and optimism, behind the scenes there was growing anxiety among the Kennedy brain trust that the religion issue had not been put to rest. The Harvard advisors were unanimous. Archibald Cox was running a sort of informal Harvard think tank for Kennedy. He had suggested a speech on the separation of church and state as early as April. While Kennedy could not say anything on the topic to move the prejudiced, Cox thought that there was a sizable group of thoughtful

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