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JFK: The Making of Modern Politics

Fifty years since John F Kennedy's election, Andrew Marr looks afresh at the events of 1960 and provides a fascinating insight into politics today.

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.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 18 Oct 2011 23:00

Credits

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

Broadcasts

  • Sun 21 Nov 2010 21:00
  • Mon 22 Nov 2010 23:20
  • Mon 22 Nov 2010 23:30
  • Tue 23 Nov 2010 00:20
  • Tue 18 Jan 2011 02:25
  • Tue 18 Oct 2011 23:00