President John F. Kennedy's Civil Rights Address

[Newest Reality]

What is a true statesman? What does leadership look and sound like? Compare.

[thucythucy]

1. What makes this even more impressive

is that last third or so of this speech was improvised on the spot.

Kennedy made the decision to address the nation live only hours before the broadcast. He felt it was urgent to do that night because of the news coming out of Alabama, but by the time of the broadcast there was still no written end to the speech. So he winged it. You can just about tell because the last third or so is a bit more unfocused and repetitive, but very few if any who heard the speech that night really noticed.

That's what someone who is highly intelligent, well read, and a practiced and accomplished writer can do when needed.

So unlike the travesty occupying the office now.

[Newest Reality]

2. Thank you!

I appreciate that extra information. I didn't know that.

Impressive for sure. Thinking on his feet.