Kennedy struggled with civil rights issues from "summary" of The Promise by Jonathan Alter
Kennedy's stance on civil rights was a complex and challenging issue during his presidency. He faced pressure from both sides of the political spectrum, as well as from within his own administration. At first, Kennedy was cautious in his approach to civil rights, fearing a backlash from Southern Democrats in Congress. However, as the civil rights movement gained momentum, Kennedy began to feel the pressure to take a more proactive stance. Kennedy's relationship with civil rights leaders was also strained at times. While he admired the courage and determination of activists like Martin Luther King Jr., he was often frustrated by their demands for immediate change. Kennedy was torn between his desire to uphold the rule of law and his commitment to justice and equality for all Americans. Despite his personal reservations, Kennedy eventually took steps to address civil rights issues. He proposed legislation to protect voting rights and desegregate public facilities, but he faced stiff opposition from conservative lawmakers. Kennedy knew that pushing too hard could backfire and jeopardize other important aspects of his agenda. In the end, Kennedy's efforts to advance civil rights were limited by the political realities of the time. It was not until after his assassination that his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, was able to push through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Kennedy's struggle with civil rights reflected the complex and divisive nature of the issue during the turbulent 1960s.
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