“I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for President, who happens also to be a Catholic.”
- May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
- American
- Politician
- As the 35th President of the United States, he overcame the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted nuclear war, and promoted the Apollo program, laying the foundation for American space exploration.
Quote
“I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for President, who happens also to be a Catholic.”
Explanation
In this statement, John F. Kennedy addresses concerns about his religious affiliation in the context of his candidacy for president. During the 1960 presidential election, Kennedy, a Catholic, faced skepticism and prejudice from some voters who feared that his religion might influence his ability to serve as president or that he might prioritize Church doctrine over the Constitution. In response, Kennedy asserts that his Catholicism does not define his political identity. Instead, he emphasizes that he is a candidate for the presidency based on his political beliefs, leadership qualities, and the values of the Democratic Party, with his Catholic faith being just one aspect of his personal identity—not a political platform.
This quote is a clear assertion of separation of church and state, a cornerstone of American democracy. Kennedy stresses that while he is proud of his faith, his religious beliefs will not dictate his decisions as president. The statement reflects his commitment to religious freedom and underscores the importance of electing leaders based on their qualifications, not their religious affiliation. Kennedy’s speech was aimed at calming fears that his religion would unduly influence his policies or his loyalty to the nation. He wanted to assure Americans that his allegiance was first and foremost to the American people and to the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Kennedy’s words also had broader implications for the role of religion in American politics. His candidacy marked a milestone for Catholics in a country that had long been predominantly Protestant, and his presidency helped pave the way for greater religious diversity and tolerance in the political sphere. Today, this quote is often cited as an example of a politician affirming the principle that religious beliefs should not disqualify someone from public office, while simultaneously insisting that faith and politics should remain distinct. Kennedy’s speech remains a reminder of the importance of religious pluralism in a democratic society, where individuals of all faiths (or none at all) should have the opportunity to serve without fear of discrimination or bias based on their beliefs.
