Writing JFK: Presidential Rhetoric and the Press in the Bay of Pigs Crisis

After the Bay of Pigs invasion, John F. Kennedy sought to restore his image through two speeches and a press conference. Thomas W. Benson analyzes these events, illustrating how speechwriting structures and media interactions shape presidential rhetoric. The book includes the full texts of the speeches and the press conference, showcasing Kennedy's collaboration with his speechwriters and the press to craft his public persona. Benson highlights the presidency's influence on media restraint and publicity, offering insights into political communication and JFK's enduring legacy.