Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 6:19 pm
No way. I seriously doubt anyone in 20th century American public life had a more powerful personality than Joseph P. Kennedy. He wouldn't have tolerated being shunned. During the campaign, Arthur Schlesinger, Pierre Salinger and other top Kennedy strategists were discussing the campaign when Joseph P. walked in the room. They all fell silent. Finally Schlesinger meekly said, "Good afternoon Mr. Ambassador."Father exalted in child's authority or did everything to get his son elected but was shunned by his son - the President.
Kennedy looked them over and said, "How many votes do you need to win this thing? I'm not paying for a landslide."
There is a famous photo taken on JFK's inaugu8ration day. JFK is standing up practically falling out of his limousine saluting his father who is reviewing the parade. He knew who put him in office, and he wasn't going to forget him.
On December 19, 1961, less than a year from JFK's inauguration, Joseph P. had a massive stroke that left him unable to talk. My own father used to point out that Kennedy's Administration was sailing along smoothly until early 1962, when the Founding Father could no longer guide his son.
JFK never shunned him, in fact had Joseph P. not had the stroke, there may not have been a need to visit Dallas in Nov 1963.