This year’s State of the Union opened with words from the last century: “The Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress…It is my task to report the State of the Union-to improve it is the task of us all.” Here, Barack Obama echoes John F. Kennedy’s eloquent call for unity and purpose in his 1962 State of the Union Address. Throughout the rest of his speech, Obama was to mirror Kennedy’s optimism and sense of mission. Like Kennedy, he proposed a vast program of economic stimulus, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure improvement. Both presidents stressed the necessity of providing opportunities to the unemployed and underprivileged. Just as Kennedy called for the Manpower Development and Training Act and the Youth Employment Opportunity Act, so did Obama ask for expanded preschool opportunities and an increase in the minimum wage. In summoning Kennedy’s message from the grave, the President sought to charge an agenda to modernize and improve our society with the powerful symbolism of the past.
But there the parallels end. Kennedy gave his State of the Union in 1962, at the height of the Cold War. He and the country faced the overwhelming threat of communism. His energy and idealism, while felt at home, were primarily directed abroad. The anxiety of the country focused mainly on the prospect of nuclear war and communist hostility, rather than the bitterness of economic stagnation and income inequality. While President Obama faces a harshly partisan and ineffective Congress, Kennedy enjoyed the support of a largely Democratic legislative branch. America, in stark contrast to today’s polarization, stood unified by a general determination to resist totalitarianism and export our ideals.
Contrasting tones reflect these differences. Following his opening quote, Obama listed a series of accomplishments — chief among them the withdrawal from two wars. The President vowed to maintain America’s international presence and military security, but did so to assure nervous Americans his intended trimming of the defense budget would not endanger our vital interests. Kennedy, on the other hand, heavily emphasized his dedication to the buildup of the U.S. military and to its mission abroad. He touted not withdrawal from war but increased preparation for it, citing a 15 percent increase in the defense budget and the doubling of combat-ready reserve divisions. While Obama spoke of maintaining our position abroad, Kennedy centered his message on expanding it.
The contrast extends beyond mere policy. In his closing, Kennedy ended with a grand statement, a rallying cry for cooperation against the enemies of liberty:
“This is our guide for the present and our vision for the future — a free community of nations… outgrowing and transcending the hates and fears that rend our age…The quest is the greatest adventure of our century…While no nation has ever faced such a challenge, no nation has ever been so ready to seize the burden and the glory of freedom.”
Obama concluded on an entirely different note. Instead of eloquently reaffirming our world mission, Obama chose to direct his speech’s climax to a specific, contentious domestic issue — gun control. As he commenced his peroration, he pointed to individuals in the audience negatively affected by gun violence, and used the power of their presence to morally pressure opponents of gun control: “Hadiya’s parents, Nate and Cleo, are in this chamber tonight, along with more than two dozen Americans whose lives have been torn apart by gun violence. They deserve a vote.” As the applause grew and the cameras focused on these guests, Obama extended his rhetoric to the victims of Newtown and Aurora, Gabrielle Giffords, and others who have suffered from gun violence. His gesture’s power was great and its intent — to challenge his opponents before a national audience — unmistakable.
Barack Obama stands on the threshold of great opportunity and achievement. Like Kennedy, he has a chance to implement a vision for America that will not only affect our economy, security, and environment, but also our identity as American citizens. He too has initiated a plan of government action that he hopes will revitalize the nation. We must remember, however, that the times are different. We live in an age currently defined not by its hope but by its pessimism; our country does not stand united but risks falling apart in animosity and division. By invoking Kennedy, Obama has continued his quest to restore the luster of the American dream — but will it work?