JFK: Democrat or Republican? | 5 Minute Video

John F. Kennedy lowered taxes, opposed abortion, supported gun rights, and believed in a strong military. And he was a proud Democrat. But would he be one today? Author and talk show host Larry Elder explains.

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Script:

He was one of America’s most popular presidents -- handsome, charismatic, a war hero. He believed a strong military was the best guarantor of peace; he explained that cutting taxes was the best way to grow the economy; he firmly opposed racial quotas, and was horrified by the idea of unrestricted abortions.

Can you name him?

Here’s one more clue: He was not a Republican. The answer is: John F. Kennedy.

When he was elected president in 1960, Kennedy’s views were considered mainstream in the Democratic Party. But while the Kennedy name is still revered by the Democrats today, the policies he espoused are not.

Ronald Reagan, America’s 40th president, who was a Democrat much of his life, famously said, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party. The party left me.”

So, if Kennedy were alive now, which party would he belong to? It’s impossible to know, of course. But we can compare his political positions to those of today’s Democratic Party.

On race:

JFK disliked the idea of using racial preferences and quotas to make up for historic racism and discrimination. Today, affirmative action is Democratic Party orthodoxy, but Kennedy thought such policies were counterproductive.
“I don't think we can undo the past,” Kennedy said. “We have to do the best we can now...I don't think quotas are a good idea...We are too mixed, this society of ours, to begin to divide ourselves on the basis of race or color.”

On taxes:

Kennedy was an ardent proponent of across-the-board tax cuts, believing that more cash in the hands of all Americans, including the so-called wealthy, and a lighter footprint from the IRS would grow the economy. “A tax cut means higher family income and higher business profits,” Kennedy said in an address to the nation shortly before his death. “Every taxpayer and his family will have more money left over after taxes for a new car, a new home, new conveniences, education and investment. Every businessman can keep a higher percentage of his profits in his cash register or put it to work expanding or improving his business.”

On foreign policy:

Kennedy was very firm about his red lines. When the Soviet Union built missile sites in Cuba, leading to what is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy threatened a decisive military response. The Soviet Union backed down. JFK believed, as Ronald Reagan did, in peace through strength, not strength through peace. In his inaugural address, Kennedy made the case for a strong U.S. military. He saw this as the only way to deter America’s enemies. “Only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt,” he said, “can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

[wildfox]

Tbh im a hard line conservative and I would vote for JFK. The left should not claim him. I believe he would try to stray away from the modern day dems.

[hoborock]

JFK was the reason my father was a democrat...Todays democrats are the reason I'm a Republican. 🇺🇸

[cilapulapu]

JFK was the only democrat I liked. And I'm a solid conservative.

[indobalkanizer]

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country", great admirer of Kennedy from India, Namaste 🙏🇺🇸🇮🇳

[harshitmadan]

JFK was the last democrat I respected.

[carlmaster]

Kennedy was one of the best Presidents in US History

[JimfromBuffalo]

If only Republicans were like Reagan and Democrats were like JFK.

[dion]

JFK was the last great Democrat. A “classic” liberal, as some would say. Today? He would be a Republican. And a very strong one too.

[arikwolf]

And that is why JFK was the last Democrat I liked.

[stopreadingmyusernamebroth]

The parties never switched. The Democratic Party went further left is what happened

[mistacole]

I find the Democrat and Republican party put too much emphasis on the party rather than the views of individuals. The democrats today like JFK even though he had little views in common with them today. Also the Republicans today like Bush, Bush was NOT a conservative, he was a Neocon. He had SOME views in common with the republican party but not enough for me to consider him to be an Asset of the Republican party, I dislike bush and I don't understand why many people of my party like him.

[j.m.turner]

And let's not forget how much he *hated* communism.

[adamost]

He is a traditional liberal not a regressive liberal

[mikecar]

"Think not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country." -JFK

Today: "I WANT FREE SHIT AND I WANT IT NOW!"

[hoangkimviet]

The words I learned from this video:
- Verbs: Restrict, rever, deter, dissent, abhor
- Nouns: Guarantor, quota, preference, orthodoxy, proponent, percentage, minuteman, preservation
- Adjectives: Affirmative, ardent, inaugural, vigorous, repugnant

[someguy]

JFK : *comes back to life to see his party now*
JFK : *switches to republican party*

[AdnanKhan-tysl]

The Democratic Party today scares the hell out of me

[welp]

As a republican I say JFK was one of the best presidents we have ever had shame he never got to fulfill his promises in government

[autodite]

Can we just resurrect Kennedy? Please?

[albertproano]

I’m a conservative, I would’ve definitely voted for JFK. But he’s not republican, he was a registered Democrat.