John F. Kennedy

Karsh, Yousuf, 1908-2002 · 1960

I photographed John F. Kennedy twice during his campaign in 1960 for the Presidency of the United States... The next time we met was in the Senate offices, where I was to photograph both Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. The elections were closer now. One might have expected to find the Presidential candidate tired and harassed; but like any thoroughbred he had summoned fresh reserves as the chance of triumph approached. He was thoughtful enough to suggest that instead of moving my photographic equipment he would come to Johnson's office. ~ Kennedy had not realized that the pictures would be taken in colour as well as in black and white and considered his necktie unsuitable. 'Well then,' he said, 'let me have yours.' As a result, the portrait... shows the most meticulous dresser wearing a tie borrowed on the spur of the moment (Karsh, 1976).