legislative log jam

Kennedy, in his short term, showed undoubted talent as a diplomatic negotiator and military strategist of some perception. Yet he lacked on the domestic front that mysterious rapport which President Johnson possesses. His record in breaking the legislative log-jam provided as a hurdle by the American system of separation of powers was not impressive.

Kennedy became imprisoned in the myth he created, a sort of folk-hero who is still around. The mass of the legend at some point became critical and thenceforward acquired a spontaneous chain-reaction of its own.

At times, through the nonsense and psychopnancy which dogged the President, there is revealed a glimpse of an easy-going and agreeable, rather indolent and snobbish personality to whom success had come too easily, and who required a challenge to bring out his best. If such is the man, then it is fitting to his memory, and to the American tradition of equality and self-respect, that his legend be levelled and its foundations sown with salt. Manchester has not helped.

Unfortunately, if this comes to pass, Robert Kennedy would start from scratch. Perhaps he would relish it.