The president must use the press to reach the public, but the relationship between the two has always been complicated. Typically, the press try to present the facts and to tell the truth, which may result in criticism of Washington, leading to a strained relationship, as the president may see the press as a force of opposition in getting his measures passed. During the time period when both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson’s speeches were made, America was in the middle of the Cold War. At the time of Kennedy’s speech, the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion had occurred only 10 days prior. As for Johnson, the country was in the middle of the Vietnam war, and many Americans were engaged in protests against it. The Civil Rights movement was also occurring during the time periods of both speeches. In 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated four days after …show more content…
Kennedy tells the press in 1961 that “Our way of life is under attack,” and that “I can only say that the danger has never been more clear and its presence has never been more imminent.” Johnson tells the press in 1968 that “The President, who must call his people and summon them to meet their responsibilities as citizens in a hard and an enduring war, often ponders these questions and searches for the right course,” and that “United we are strong; divided we are in great danger.” However, Kennedy’s speech is beseeching- he asks the press to put the country’s security and interest first. “It requires a change in outlook, a change in tactics, a change in missions—by the government, by the people, by every businessman or labor leader, and by every newspaper,” he implores them. Johnson’s speech, although grave, is also hopeful. He has hope that the press and the American people will overcome the divide that has split the nation. “Because to heal and to build support, to hold people together, is something I think is worthy and I believe it is a noble task,” he