#asknot

As a staunch supporter of right-wing politics, particularly the Reform Party and figures like Nigel Farage, my natural inclination is to align with the Republican Party in the United States. Conservatism, free-market principles, and a strong national identity are values I hold dear, and the modern Republican Party, despite its internal fractures, still embodies many of these ideals. 

However, there is one undeniable truth, even for those of us on the right: John F. Kennedy was arguably the most qualified and capable president the United States has ever had.

Now, before my fellow conservatives scoff at the notion of praising a Democrat, let's take a step back and analyze JFK not through the lens of partisan loyalty, but through merit, leadership, and statesmanship.

A President with Real-World Experience

Unlike many modern politicians who build their careers in the bureaucratic echo chambers of Washington, JFK came from a background that genuinely prepared him for the highest office in the land. His time in the military, particularly as a naval officer during World War II, shaped his resilience, decision-making, and ability to lead under pressure. The famous PT-109 incident, where Kennedy saved his crew after their boat was sunk, showcased his courage and sense of duty qualities sorely lacking in many of today’s career politicians.

Compare this to the political dynasties we see today, where candidates emerge not because of their personal achievements but because of their family name or ideological appeal. JFK may have been born into privilege, but he proved himself through action, not just rhetoric.

A Pragmatist, Not an Ideologue

JFK was a Democrat, yes, but not in the radical progressive sense we see dominating the party today. He was staunchly anti-communist, supported a strong military, and pushed for tax cuts that spurred economic growth positions that would make many modern Republicans nod in agreement. In fact, his economic policies bear more resemblance to those of Ronald Reagan than to those of today’s left-wing Democrats.

His approach to the Cold War was another mark of his pragmatism. Instead of blindly capitulating to Soviet pressure or overreacting with reckless aggression, Kennedy took a calculated stance that balanced deterrence with diplomacy. His handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis remains one of the greatest demonstrations of presidential leadership in history.

A Leader Who Inspired a Nation

One of the greatest failings of modern political leaders, particularly in America, is their inability to unite and inspire their nation. Kennedy, however, had that rare ability to make people believe in something bigger than themselves. His speeches weren’t just empty words they were calls to action. “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country” is a sentiment that conservatives, especially those who champion personal responsibility and national pride, can respect.

Contrast this with the modern left’s obsession with victimhood and entitlement, and you see just how different JFK was from today’s Democrats. His vision was one of strength, optimism, and American exceptionalism values that, ironically, align more with the modern right than the radical left.

The Tragic Loss of Leadership

One can only wonder what America and indeed the world—would look like had Kennedy not been assassinated. Would he have continued to steer the country away from the bureaucratic stagnation that followed in the decades after? Would he have resisted the extreme leftward shift of his party? We will never know.

What is certain, however, is that John F. Kennedy was a leader of rare ability. His blend of real-world experience, economic pragmatism, and nationalistic spirit set him apart from most presidents before and after him.