The Only Presidential Letter of John F. Kennedy We Have Seen Concerning His Controversial Father

Joseph P. Kennedy became a multi-millionaire during the bull stock market of the 1920s, but became even richer as a result of selling “short” during the Depression. This means he made money when stocks went down, and so he profited as others lost everything. Some people were resentful and he made enemies. Also during the Twenties Kennedy made huge profits reorganizing and refinancing several Hollywood studios. By this time he had strong political connections, particularly in the Irish-American community, and in 1934 Franklin D. Roosevelt named him the first Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kennedy was U.S. Ambassador to Britain from 1938-1940. Many considered him a Nazi sympathizer, and he argued against American providing aid to Britain. In 1940, speaking of both Britain and the U.S., he stated, “Democracy is finished in England. It may be here.” Kennedy once sought a personal meeting with Hitler, without the approval of the State Department, “to bring about a better understanding between the United States and Germany.” This stand made him even more enemies. And in the 1950’s, he threw his support behind the witch-hunting Joseph McCarthy.

Kennedy was a fiercely ambitious man who thrived on competition and winning. In his eyes, the ultimate prize was being the American presidency. He wanted his first son, Joe Jr. to become president, but after his death in WWII, the senior Kennedy became determined to make his eldest surviving son, John, president. Joe Kennedy was an intensely controversial figure, and as a result his presence in John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign had to be downplayed. Having him in the spotlight would hurt John, making it look as if it were his father who was running for president. However, Joe still drove the campaign behind the scenes, playing a central role in planning strategy, fundraising, and building coalitions and alliances. Joe supervised the spending and to some degree the overall campaign strategy, helped select advertising agencies, and was endlessly on the phone with local and state party leaders, newsmen, and business leaders. He had met thousands of powerful people in his career, and often called in his chips to help his sons.

In the 1960 campaign, John was confronted about whether he agreed with his father’s positions, and he stated that he was his own man and he had his own opinions. Then in December 1961, Joe Kennedy suffered from a major stroke. His survival was at first uncertain, but he survived, though he lost all power of speech, and was left paralyzed on his right side.

Typed Letter Signed, on White House letterhead, January 5, 1962, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Larsh, whose names he fills in himself in the salutation, indicating a personal acquaintence. “My sincerest thanks for your thoughtful message. Your good wishes for the recovery of my father’s health are very much appreciated.” This is the only presidential letter of JFK we have seen mentioning his father.