In 2008 a promise of hope and change, especially for Americans, but also for all others went around the world. “Yes, We Can” was a synonym for the “American Dream”. It was first said by a candidate of the Democratic Party, who wanted to become the first African American president. But Obama was not the first politician, who wanted to follow the citizen’s wish for improvement of an old system and more humanity. Fourty six years before, another man told all Americans, that “We Can Do Better”. The meaning and choice of words is quite similar. Both talked about solidarity, a wind of change and equality of all people, because “We” means everybody without exceptions.
But is it only the slogan, which shows similarities of both or do they have more in common than this? And why is research and knowledge about it necessary?
In my opinion we should have a constant awareness and knowledge about failures and procedures in the past, also in foreign affairs, in view of their influence on our current and future situation. As the biggest economic and military power, the United States of America have had huge influence on Europe and the rest of the world.
To understand and analyse America’s policy, it is best to focus on its head of state, the president.
So, I concentrated on the current democratic president Barack Obama by comparing him to the former democratic president John F. Kennedy. Often Barack Obama is called the black Kennedy, as a person on whom hopes are focused like on Kennedy in the past. To analyse more deeply, biographies made by their companions and contemporary journalists are needed. Internet platforms and blogs give also interesting insights and points of criticism, which are partly sabotaged by public authorities or by the Kennedy Clan. By enquiry on the current president a very low amount of information about his private life and his background is officially known.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Principal part
- CVs of both men
- Kennedy's Life
- Obama's Life
- The comparison of both CVs
- The different social backgrounds
- Kennedy's social background
- Obama's social background
- Comparison of both social backgrounds
- Historical Background
- Historical Background of Kennedy
- Historical Background of Barack Obama
- Comparison of the historical backgrounds
- Expectations on both politicians
- The political careers
- The political career of Kennedy
- The political career of Obama
- Comparison of both careers
- CVs of both men
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the similarities and differences between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, two prominent democratic presidents of the United States. By comparing their lives, backgrounds, and political careers, the author seeks to understand the impact these figures had on American history and their influence on the global political landscape.- Comparison of the lives and backgrounds of JFK and Barack Obama
- Analysis of the social and historical contexts surrounding their presidencies
- Examination of their political careers and leadership styles
- Exploration of the expectations and perceptions of both presidents
- Evaluation of their influence on American politics and global affairs
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the work's objective, which is to analyze the similarities between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. It highlights the significance of understanding past political events and their influence on current and future situations. Chapter two begins the principal part of the work, providing an overview of Kennedy and Obama's lives. This includes a detailed examination of their childhood, education, and early careers. Chapter two point one focuses on the CVs of both men, starting with Kennedy's life. It details his early years, his family background, and his education, including his studies at Harvard University and his subsequent military career. It also explores his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier and his rise to the presidency. Chapter two point two looks at Obama's life. It covers his birth in Honolulu, his parents' divorce, and his education. The chapter will likely discuss his early political career and his eventual election as the first African-American president of the United States. Chapter two point three will compare the CVs of both men, highlighting both similarities and differences in their lives and backgrounds. It will likely contrast their family situations, educational paths, and early experiences in politics. Chapter two point four delves into the social backgrounds of Kennedy and Obama. It will likely examine their family histories, their social networks, and the socio-economic circumstances they grew up in. Chapter two point five explores the historical backgrounds of both men. It will likely discuss the historical events that shaped their lives and political careers, including the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement. Chapter two point six examines the expectations placed on both politicians. It will likely explore how public perceptions and societal expectations influenced their presidencies and their political decisions. Chapter two point seven analyzes the political careers of Kennedy and Obama. It will likely discuss their major accomplishments, challenges, and political strategies, as well as their overall approaches to leadership.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work focuses on the lives and careers of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. The key terms and concepts explored include political leadership, social background, historical context, public perception, expectations, presidential decision-making, and the legacy of both presidents.- Quote paper
- Natascha Drews (Author), 2013, A comparison of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/264790
