General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Hmmm? I wonder why people chose to leave off this part of Michael's interview [View all]Luminous Animal
(27,310 posts)and campaigned against many of Bush's excesses.
Instead Obama chose to go small. There is no signature moment of his admin. A public option re health insurance would have been a signature moment. Repealing don't ask don't tell with a stroke of a pen, would have been a signature moment (like Truman did when he banned discrimination on the basis of color in the armed forces).
Kennedy is remembered for what he coulda mighta been but he's not remembered for actual accomplishments. That he was a coulda mighta kind of person actually led MLK to consider rescinding his policy of not endorsing candidates and endorsing Nixon because Nixon actually reached out to him to discuss specific civil rights goals.
Kennedy today is still described as the first Catholic President. Back then, it was a big fucking deal because idiots were sure he would take direction from the Vatican.
His legacy is very thin. First Catholic President. Failed Bay of Pigs. Assassinated.