Why do people compare Obama to JFK? Is there really a comparison other than his motivational speeches?

JFK served in the House and Senate for 16 years before becoming president. He was a Pulitzer prize winning author and a WW II hero as a Navy Lieutenant who was awarded medals for saving lives and a Purple Heart. How does this compare with Obama?

Why do people compare Obama to JFK? Is there really a comparison other than his motivational speeches?
Good points, but a lot of us fogies raised in the 60's still want to relive the "magic" that supposedly existed during JFK's term and see Obama as the only hope of that.





Ted Kennedy and Caroline were a lot closer to JFK than the rest of us, of course, and may see some real similarities you and I don't see.





But we all should be looking into Obama as himself, not as a surrogate JFK.
Reply:First the media compares him to MLK now they are comparing him to JFK. I think the man is just someone that the media created.
Reply:There is no comparison between the two. The only thing I can think of is Obama's charisma. If Al Gore were running, he'd beat Obama hands down.
Reply:Obama, like JFK represents a younger generation of Americans and a change from the old ways of doing things to something new and different.





And new ideas are something this country desperately needs.
Reply:there is no comparison to kennedy at all, obama is not what we wont iam in Illinois and come and see for your self what he has done for this state, nothing i feel sorry who ever votes for him because you be sorry i bet.
Reply:Maybe the speeches. But Obama never served in the armed forces, or was war hero. JFK probably didn't try cocaine. Obama never had an affair with Marilyn Munroe. That's all I can think of.





The real comparison should be Hillary to JFK... NOT.
Reply:Every major first is always going to be compared to JFK as the first Catholic President. That's gonna happen forever. If Hillary were the only one left, she'd be getting the comparison.





In addition, both have written excellent books for America: "Dreams from my Father" (Not that crappy "Audacity of Hope") and "Profiles in Courage".


Both won awards for their insightfulness and ability to speak for many others than themselves.





We can take the comparison quite far, if we want to. Major civil rights leaders, charismatic speakers, people who are different from the majority of Presidents preceding them, dedication to core values of democracy, representation, and courage.





However I think we should judge politicians based on their own goods and not on some weak historical analogies. Romney is the new Reagan, Obama is the new Kennedy, Hillary is the new....who knows. Who cares? I don't need a Kennedy, Reagan, or Washington.
Reply:It doesn't. And it really isn't a good thing to be an "adopted" Kennedy running for office, judging by what happened to JFK and RFK...you don't see old Teddy lining up to run or Caroline...
Reply:Different strokes for different folks..I like you can see no comparison. { JFK did respect the flag } other than Oprah maybe, JFK, Marlyn Monroe, but that's still no comparison.
Reply:There is NO comparison between the two. I find his speeches less than motivational; he has no real political platform, has no personal, military, or political background to speak from. He's just a "different" cadidate from the run-of-the-mill democrats.
Reply:I don't know how anyone can compare Obama to JFK. JFK was authentic; he served in the military and had considerable experience. Obama has none of those things. Obama is a poser.
Reply:Charisma.





Politicians appeal to some people for many different reasons.