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Explanation of the When Kennedy and Nixon Swore - Succeed through Studying History. Also refer to profanity, politics, humor, cursing, swearing, Time Magazine, distrust, reporting, personality, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions When Kennedy and Nixon Sworeby Ron Kurtus (revised 22 June 2008) During both John F. Kennedy's and Richard M. Nixon's terms in office as President of the United States, Time Magazine published articles that stated how each used profanities in the White House. The articles handled the fact quite differently for the two Presidents, showing a bias that reflected a general attitude about the men. Questions you may have are:
This lesson will try to answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. When Kennedy sworeWhen Kennedy was President, Time Magazine ran a feature on him that explained something to the effect that "although Kennedy was of aristocratic upbringing, he was still down-to-earth. In fact, he would often swear like a sailor." The article was upbeat and presented using profanity in the White House in a positive or admirable light. When Nixon sworeAbout nine years later, during the time of the Watergate scandal in the Nixon administration, Time Magazine reviewed the transcripts of tapes that Richard Nixon made of his conversations in the White House. Time reported that the President actually used profanities and even said "(expletive deleted)" and other such words. They were shocked at this type of behavior in office. Why the difference in attitudes?The reason for this difference in attitudes certainly had to do with the fact that President Kennedy was a graceful, charming man, with a good sense of humor. Who could criticize him for a little profanity or off-color humor?
Kennedy was charming On the other hand, President Nixon was a serious fellow, who gave the impression of being very straight-laced. He also alienated many of the press, as was shown in his sour remark to the press, during his concession speech after losing the gubernatorial race in California several years before becoming President: "You won't have Dick Nixon to kick around any more." If you compare the reporting of what Nixon did in office compared to what Kennedy did, you will see this type of bias throughout. SummaryBoth President Kennedy and President Nixon used profanities while in office. Because Kennedy was more likeable to members of the press than Nixon, the swearing was considered acceptable.
Some lessons learned here are:
Look at the good side of other people ResourcesThe following are some resources on this topic. WebsitesX-Rated Expletives - Time Magazine article stating that various U.S. Presidents used profanities while in office. Biography of John F. Kennedy - from the White House site Biography of Richard M. Nixon - from the White House site BooksKennedy
Top-rated books on John F. Kennedy Nixon
Top-rated books on Richard Nixon MiscellaneousMini-quiz to check your understanding1. How did Kennedy's aristocratic upbringing affect the acceptance that he swore? 2. Why wasn't it acceptable for Nixon to swear? 3. Why was the press critical of Nixon? If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in History. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again. What do you think?Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Share linkFeel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site. 
Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend. Students and researchersThe Web address of this page is Please include it as a reference in your report, document, or thesis. Where can you go from here?
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