Goldwater Vs. JFK Echoes in '08

Obama vs. McCain recalls race that never happened in '64
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted May 21, 2008 12:19 PM CDT
Goldwater Vs. JFK Echoes in '08
In this Feb 6, 2008 file photo, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., addresses the media in Chicago. Barack Obama is dashing full-tilt into the general-election fight against Republican John McCain without waiting for the Democratic marathon to end.    (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer,File)

The coming Obama/McCain matchup is an echo of another presidential bout, David Talbot writes for Salon—one that never happened between JFK and Barry Goldwater in 1964. Then as now, a young idealist takes on a seasoned ex-soldier over negotiation with hostile governments, to debate a fundamental question of whether it is more important to project understanding or strength to the world.

When Kennedy was assassinated, he was about to deliver a speech that demanded America “practice what it preached” on Democratic principles, rather than bullying the globe into obedience. That message, Talbot writes, has lacked a suitable herald until now, and the election will be “the debate over war and peace that President Kennedy and Senator Goldwater never got to hold.“ (More Barack Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X