In a compelling conversation held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, John Kennedy Schlossberg, often known as Jack Schlossberg, engaged in a thoughtful dialogue with former President Barack Obama. This interview, conducted on May 07, 2017, served as a platform for Obama to reflect on political courage, leadership, and the enduring legacy of the Kennedy family, all through the insightful questions posed by John Kennedy Schlossberg himself.
Delving into Political Courage with John Kennedy Schlossberg and Barack Obama
The interview, initiated by John Kennedy Schlossberg, commenced with a direct inquiry into the moments during Obama’s presidency that demanded the most political courage. Schlossberg’s line of questioning immediately set the stage for a profound discussion on the nature of leadership and difficult decision-making at the highest level of office.
Obama reflected candidly on the weightiest decisions he faced, particularly those involving sending troops into harm’s way. He recounted the solemn experience of addressing young men and women at West Point before deploying additional forces to Afghanistan, emphasizing the profound responsibility of such commands.
However, in a surprising revelation, Obama identified the decision not to bomb Syria following the publicized use of chemical weapons as the issue that truly tested his political courage. He explained the immense pressure to take military action, a response often lauded and politically expedient. Yet, he opted for a negotiated approach, focusing on the removal of chemical weapons from Syria. Obama acknowledged the imperfections of the agreement but highlighted its significant success in eliminating 99 percent of Syria’s chemical weapon stockpiles without military intervention. This anecdote underscored the central theme of political courage that John Kennedy Schlossberg sought to explore – choosing the morally sound path over the politically popular one.
Resisting Cynicism and Defining Leadership: Schlossberg’s Perspective
John Kennedy Schlossberg further probed Obama on the challenges of political cynicism and maintaining integrity in a highly scrutinized environment. He questioned how Obama decided to “resist cynicism and not play the game” as dictated by some political norms, and instead, set his own ethical example.
Obama connected this back to the wisdom of Schlossberg’s grandfather, John F. Kennedy, emphasizing that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the resolve to act according to one’s convictions despite it. Drawing on his own experiences navigating the global economic crisis, the auto industry bailout, and political setbacks, Obama highlighted how experience cultivates political courage. He learned that staying true to personal values and principles ultimately provides a more enduring sense of accomplishment than chasing fleeting political wins. This part of the conversation, initiated by John Kennedy Schlossberg’s thoughtful questions, revealed Obama’s evolution in leadership and his deepening commitment to his core beliefs.
History as a Guide: John Kennedy Schlossberg’s Family Legacy and Obama’s Reflections
Reflecting his family’s deep-rooted interest in history, John Kennedy Schlossberg shifted the conversation towards the role of historical perspective in presidential decision-making. He asked Obama how he drew upon history during moments demanding courage, whether through direct study, recalling past events, or seeking parallels to inform his actions.
Obama admitted that the pressures of the presidency often leave little time for extensive historical study in the moment. Instead, he relied on his pre-existing historical knowledge, searching his “databanks” for comparable situations to guide his decisions. He specifically cited John F. Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis as a “classic example” of courageous leadership – demonstrating firmness, restraint, and thoughtful problem-solving under immense pressure. Obama also mentioned Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, providing vital perspective on the magnitude of challenges a leader can face.
Obama emphasized the inherent value of historical knowledge, even prior to holding office. He argued that a strong historical foundation cultivates a mindset geared towards long-term considerations, essential for effective leadership that transcends short-term pressures. John Kennedy Schlossberg’s focus on history not only honored his family’s intellectual tradition but also illuminated a crucial aspect of informed and courageous leadership.
Education and Preparation for the Future: Schlossberg’s Inquiries for Young People
John Kennedy Schlossberg, preparing to continue his education at Harvard Law School, Obama’s alma mater, steered the interview towards the relevance of education in shaping future leaders. He inquired about how Obama’s education influenced his decision-making and sought advice for young people on how best to prepare themselves for future challenges.
Obama lauded legal education for its interdisciplinary nature, emphasizing its focus on navigating societal differences within a democratic framework. He highlighted law as a discipline that teaches how to constructively manage disagreements and move society forward, even imperfectly. However, Obama broadened the scope of valuable education beyond formal legal training. He stressed the importance of critical thinking, information literacy, and the ability to discern truth from misinformation. He advised cultivating habits of questioning, verifying information, and seeking diverse perspectives.
Obama also highlighted the significance of empathy and perspective-taking, advocating for exposure to literature and narratives that allow individuals to understand lives and viewpoints different from their own. He linked these qualities to good citizenship, a value central to the Kennedy legacy and one he personally strived to embody. John Kennedy Schlossberg’s questions about education resonated deeply with his own generation and underscored the importance of holistic preparation for future leadership roles.
Navigating the Era of Misinformation: A Challenge for Schlossberg’s Generation
John Kennedy Schlossberg then raised a particularly pertinent issue for the contemporary world: the declining relevance of facts in political discourse and the challenges of media literacy. He noted the filtered nature of modern media and the prevalence of echo chambers, seeking Obama’s guidance on how individuals, especially young people like himself, can guard against misinformation.
Obama turned the question back to Schlossberg, acknowledging that his generation, including his own daughters, faces the daunting task of navigating the complex information landscape. He recognized the immense power of readily accessible information but lamented the breakdown of traditional filters that once aided in distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Obama emphasized the critical need for individuals to become discerning consumers of information. He advocated for a process of actively testing and questioning information, moving beyond superficial acceptance of what is presented on screens. He stressed the importance of seeking diverse sources of information, including those with differing viewpoints. Obama shared that even engaging with conservative media occasionally prompted him to re-examine his own assumptions, fostering intellectual humility and more robust decision-making. John Kennedy Schlossberg’s focus on media literacy highlighted a critical challenge for his generation and underscored the need for critical engagement with information in the digital age.
Inspiration and Everyday Courage: Schlossberg’s Personal Connection
In his final question, John Kennedy Schlossberg shared a personal reflection, acknowledging Obama’s inspirational impact on his own interest in politics and his family’s legacy. He admitted that Obama’s leadership had, in a way, made him “lazy,” as he felt secure in the presence of a courageous leader. However, recognizing evolving leadership dynamics, Schlossberg sought guidance on where young people can find courage in the absence of a single, towering figure, and how they can cultivate courage in their own lives.
Obama reframed the concept of courage, shifting away from grand, dramatic gestures to the everyday acts of bravery that shape character and communities. He emphasized that courage often manifests in small, daily decisions: intervening against bullying, volunteering in underserved communities, striving for educational advancement against the odds, and the quiet sacrifices of working parents.
Obama’s message was one of empowerment, urging young people to recognize the multifaceted nature of courage and to strive for personal integrity in their daily lives. He defined courage as being “true to your best self every day.” He emphasized that these individual acts of courage, rooted in values of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, collectively create meaningful change, often exceeding the impact of political decisions alone. Obama concluded with a simple yet powerful call to action: “You should also vote,” reinforcing the fundamental civic duty in a democracy. John Kennedy Schlossberg’s final question brought the conversation full circle, connecting the grand theme of political courage to the tangible actions and responsibilities of everyday citizens, particularly the young generation he represents.
Through his insightful and probing questions, John Kennedy Schlossberg not only facilitated a revealing interview with Barack Obama on the topic of political courage but also subtly highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Kennedy family’s values and commitment to public service. The interview serves as a valuable resource for understanding leadership, courage, and civic responsibility in an ever-evolving world, particularly for young people like John Kennedy Schlossberg who are poised to shape the future.
