The Myth of JFK

To end this trilogy on JFK I have been writing, I think it is best to discuss the mythical aspects of his legacy. The best example of this is how many lists exist which argue Kennedy’s assassination was eerily similar to a different event in the American history: The assassination of President Lincoln. The exact origin point of this notion is typically credited to either a 1964 GOP newsletter or Buddy Starcher’s 1966 song “History Repeats Itself,” although what is fascinating is how little the list has changed in the years since. Either way, I’ll be using the list compiled by Snopes when they debunked this idea in 1999, which goes:

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both were shot in the head.

Lincoln’s secretary, Kennedy, warned him not to go to the theatre. Kennedy’s secretary, Lincoln, warned him not to go to Dallas.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.

Both were succeeded by Southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.