Episode image for JFK: The Making of Modern Politics

Duration: 1 hour

On both sides of the Atlantic, John F Kennedy continues to be invoked by today's politicians in the hope that some of his magic might rub off on them. But, 50 years since Kennedy's election, Andrew Marr asks whether JFK's legacy has tarnished politics ever since.

Andrew examines in detail exactly what Kennedy stood for, and how the candidate got that message across. He goes in search of the substance that has long been obscured by the fascination with the Kennedy style.

He also examines how Kennedy embodied the hopes of a nation, and asks whether modern politics demands inspirational leaders rather than politicians bogged down in the details. Kennedy's soaring rhetoric set a high standard that people today yearn for politicians to reach.

Last on

Tue 18 Oct 2011 23:00 BBC Four

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Credits

Presenter
Andrew Marr
Director
Marion Milne
Producer
Marion Milne
Executive Producer
Rachel Bell
Executive Producer
Ross Harper

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of JFK: The Making of Modern Politics (6)

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