John F. Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton Essay

John F. Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton - Essay Example Perhaps the most popular statement echoing the core principle of American democracy was spoken by Kennedy himself during his inaugural address: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." (Kennedy) First and foremost, what is democracy The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines it to be "direct participation of the members of a society in deciding on the laws and policies of the society or it may involve the participation of those members in selecting representatives to make the decisions" (Christiano). As such, Kennedy's statement was a call for the active participation of the citizenry. Similarly, one of Clinton's most notable and memorable quotes throughout her political career echoes this same sentiment: "Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process." (HillaryClintonQuotes) John F. Kennedy, more commonly known as Jack, was not immediately attracted to a life of politics albeit growing up with a highly political family. In a biography by Robert Dallek, Kennedy had been credited for saying, "I never thought at school or college that I would ever run for office myself. . . . I hadn't considered myself a political type, and [it was my brother that] filled all the requirements for political success." (Dallek 117) The Kennedys were rather well known in the arena of politics, and their heritage of Democrats dates back generations. On the other hand, Hillary Rodham Clinton had always been interested in a life of politics. She proclaims, "I was interested in politics from an early age, and I loved to hone my debating skills with my friends. . . I ran for student council and junior class Vice President. I was also an active Young Republican" (Clinton 21). She had indeed begun her political awareness with the influence of her father who was an extremist Republican, but Clinton had eventually developed her own opinions at Wellesley College as she had participated in many political-flavored events. By graduation, she had become a full-fledged Democrat. Though Kennedy had more opportunity to provide service and leadership to the United States because he was elected President, Clinton likewise had her fair share of responsibility as First Lady. It is apparent from their respective stays in the White House, however, that their styles of governance are of different quality. Kennedy was ultimately very anti-communist, while Clinton had subscribed to certain socialist strategies with regard to capitalism. One of the most apparent differences between Clinton and Kennedy is that the latter was loved by most, while Clinton had always been and remains to be controversial in the eyes of many. She is most remembered and criticized for the demeanor with which she had handled her husband's adulterous affair at the Oval Office and her confrontational, no-nonsense attitude. Her political career has been tainted with rumor and gossip. Conversely, it is only admiration and almost veneration that people feel for Kennedy. While Clinton lacks in charm and appeal, Kennedy is