Sabato, Larry J.(2014) KENNEDY HALF CENTURY. Dexter, Michigan: Thomson & Shore, 888 pages.

It has been now 52 years since JFK left office. Most historians agree that 50 years is the limit to judge a president. We have arrived at that point. So we begin with this book probably finished in the latter part of 2013. How has JFK been viewed to historians relative to concrete accomplishments? What is the legacy that he has left to the general public? Where does rank? How did he leave office?

Very few trust the CIA to tell us the truth according Larry J. Sabato in the KENNEDY HALF CENTURY. The end of trust of the American Public began the second a bullet entered the President’s body. Protective agencies rushed to be able to defend themselves not the president. Additionally, more relative, rare and overlooked facts have surfaced which only complicate the death of a president. Here are some the following:

* Most of official Washington did not believe the Warren Commission and said so privately.

* Over 50 witnesses were not interviewed and they may have had some insight. Most were standing by the grassy knoll. Parties in the remaining parade cars heard bullets coming in two directions and were told by the CIA to disregard their recollection.

* The Warren Commission’s report took 5 weeks to complete and then details were sought out to support the report.

*There were reports of people crying all over the world. Most Americans over 50 years later do not believe the Warren report. This applies across all demographics.

*Americans believe Kennedy to be one of the most popular presidents and historians place him in the top of the middle third in successful legislation. This takes into account that he had one of the shortest presidency. He barely won the popular vote and did not have a moderate to progressive majority in the house or senate. On the other hand, a number of presidents would trade a lot of his accomplishments for his legacy.

*During his presidency, the difference between rich and the rest was 20 times greater. Today, it is 300 times. He was one of the few president’s to call a CEO of a large steel corporation into his office and call him a liar. He verbally slapped the guy. The CEO backed down on raising prices.

* The country did not see the complete Zapruder film for 12 years. Only 12 Secret Service individuals accompanied the president.

* One hundred years from now the Kennedy assassination will probably be recalled like that of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is looked upon favorably by historians. But the type of televised death of Kennedy is more powerful, although his accomplishments less prestigious. Over and above Kennedy and Lincoln, do you recall how Garfield was killed and what were the details of his assassination? What do you recall about President McKinley’s killing?

*Kennedy saved the lives of millions of people, a bombing holocaust, tidal waves, nuclear winter, incredible climate change, and huge turbulent tsunamis from the sea. In sum, the planet was saved. This refers to the 13 days in May which is called the Cuban Missile Crisis.

*Every president since JFK have tried to simulate something that was Kennedy and bring back that era. During the early 60’s the cultural belief was that American could do anything and that most of us would work 3 days and get paid for 5 days a week in 50 years or so. We would also be inundated with dazzling technology that would make our life’s more peaceful and pleasant.

* 90%(noted in the book) believe that the assassination killed such visions as recorded by the Saboto. Most see a more modest future. The early 60’s were also a time of 20 years of prosperity after World War II.

* “The Kennedys” was like a reality show that fell in line with “Ozzie and Harriet” and” “Leave It to Beaver.” The first family came into our lives at the right time and place and for the sake of this argument the president had a timely death.

Kennedy may be faulted for his accomplishment, save the Cuban Missile Crisis, but trumps all others for his legacy. What remains is a little boy saluting a nation and sending striking vibrating emotions to a universe of historical events.