JFK’s humour often stole the show

John F Kennedy will be remembered for many things. The lives he touched and the people of all backgrounds he brought together during his time in the White House leave a legacy that will be long remembered.

He possessed unwavering determination, yet embraced flexibility when needed. But his true standouts were energy, charisma and humour. His legendary wit, seamlessly woven into speeches and conversations, shone brightly during his historic 1963 visit to Ireland.

The crowds that gathered to greet him were as enthusiastic as any he had encountered during his presidency. At Limerick Racecourse, he was greeted by thousands of cheering and delighted people, and, he couldn’t resist remarking, ‘I’ve been told that Limerick is famous for its beautiful women and fast horses’.

In Galway, where the crowds were as large and passionate, he playfully referred to all the cousins in Ireland, suggesting that the White House was their new summer home. His heartfelt connection to the Irish, rooted in his own heritage, deeply charmed Ireland and strengthened the unique bond between the nations.

“Mr mayor, members of the county council, prime minister, ambassadors, if the day was clear enough, and if you went down to the bay, and you looked west, and your sight was good enough, you would see Boston, Massachusetts. And if you did, you would see working on the docks there some Dohertys and Flahertys and Ryans and cousins of yours who have gone to Boston and made good.”

Kennedy’s wit was a defining aspect of his lifelong public persona. His sharp tongue and knack for one-liners left everyone, from friends to foes, in stitches. Whether he poked fun at himself, his family, or the political world, JFK’s humour was a formidable presence.

Kennedy faced numerous challenges, from early health struggles to being in the Navy during World War II. Someone asked him how he got to be a war hero: ‘It was involuntary,’ he replied. ‘My boat sank.’

In politics, where the battles are intense and unrelenting, Kennedy’s humour disarmed. He acknowledged the importance of financial support in politics, saying, ‘It takes three things to win in politics. The first is money, the second is money, and the third is money.’

In 1960, Kennedy announced his candidacy for president of the United States. He won the Democratic Party nomination, which prompted another JFK one-liner: ‘Do you realise the responsibility I carry? I’m the only person standing between Richard Nixon and the White House.’

His father again spent heavily on his son’s campaign. ‘I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy,’ “Dear Jack, don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.”

When asked his favourite song, he replied, ‘I think Hail to the Chief has a nice ring to it.’ Writing to a friend, he said ‘Once you get your feet upon the desk in the morning, the heavy work of the day is done.’

JFK’s humour also played a role in addressing serious issues. He humorously defended his choice of his brother Robert as attorney general by stating, ‘I don’t see anything wrong with giving Bobby a little legal experience before he goes out on his own to practise law.’ He had a rocky relationship with FBI director J Edgar Hoover. When asked why he didn’t fire Hoover, Kennedy said, ‘You can’t fire God.’

Kennedy’s life ended 60 years ago this week on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Pat Kenny is a member of Inklings Writing Group, who meet on Tuesdays at 10.45am in the Annebrook House Hotel.