England Slept, was a typical example: at once a personal accomplishment and a defense of his father's tenure as ambassador to Great Britain in the immediate pre-World War II years. When tragic opportunity, the death of Joe, Jr., made John Kennedy the number one son in his family, the previously overlooked child was ready to assume that leadership role - with the full respect and support of his father (Freidel 362-3).
Bill Clinton's father died before his son was born, leaving a gap in the family unit that was never fully closed. In often-repeated speeches Clinton has commented upon the sense of palpable loss this twist of fate has left on his personality. His family unit was never whole; even the addition of a stepfather was a disruptive influence: Bill Clinton's stepfather was an alcoholic wife-beater. Again, the president-elect's biographers always mention the effect this type of father-figure had on the young man, citing his teenager's mature showdown with the older man in an effort to protect mother and siblings. Out of the need to "negotiate" a family arrangement among his own parents, Clinton developed early a sophisticated skill in the political realities of compromise, real power and threat. His several terms as governor of Arkansas have been characterized by recognition - and masterful utilization - of those factors in the political process (Newsweek 29-31).
The president-elect displays a near-reverential acknowledgement of the role John F. Kennedy has played in his life: Bill Clinton proudly acknowledges that his philosophy of government service is based on the influence of the president who administered the U. S. government during the Arkansan's teenage years. Film clips of the young man meeting with President Kennedy show a smiling face fixed in the type of overwhelming awe usually associated with rock-star adoration. John Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for you...