Last week, a poll from the Wall Street Journal NORC revealed that only 25% of Americans feel they have good opportunities to improve their standard of living. Even more troubling, about 70% believe the idea of the American dream—where hard work leads to success—is no longer true. This marks the highest level of disillusionment recorded in nearly 15 years.
The mood in the country is quite downcast.
This survey comes at a significant time, just shy of the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s well-remembered speech marking the 63rd year since he pledged that America would put a man on the moon.
Reflecting on that ambitious declaration is a reminder of Kennedy’s charm. He stood confidently at the podium, yet his words invoked a deeper connection to America’s spirit of optimism. These intentions feel even more crucial today, particularly for voters who sense that the next generation may not fare as well as those before them.
To appreciate his message, it’s helpful to rewind to five years prior.
On October 4, 1957, two significant events graced American televisions. First, the unsettling news from Huntley Brinkley unveiled that the Soviet Union had successfully launched Sputnik. This marked a chilling moment in the space race, as Americans tuned in to hear the satellite’s beeping signal from above.
In contrast, just a few minutes later, the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” debuted, presenting an idyllic view of middle-class America. This portrayal showcased a family living a comfortable life, complete with a nice car and a spacious house. It was a stark juxtaposition against the backdrop of the rapidly changing global landscape, where societal issues, including civil rights and women’s rights, were still being unraveled.
Fast forward to Rice University five years later. In the aftermath of Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight, Kennedy sought to reinvigorate the American spirit, as the nation grappled with feelings of inferiority in the space race.
This context is key to understanding the nuance in Kennedy’s words. While many remember his famous line about choosing to go to the moon, the essence lies deeper.
“We’re going to go to the moon and do other things over the next decade,” he stated.
This sentiment reflects what I’ve described as constructive pessimism. In Robert Kaplan’s “Warrior Politics,” he discusses how the founders of America understood human nature realistically rather than through naive optimism. This foundational understanding was critical as each president took office.
Rather than merely comforting the American public, Kennedy’s speech served as a challenge. He outlined the sacrifices required to face off against the Soviet Union, uniting the nation around common goals and adversities, rather than catering to electoral favorites.
This national character of constructive pessimism has truly been part of America’s greatness. It propelled the nation to achieve remarkable milestones, as noted in Felix Rohatyn’s “Bold Endeavors,” which chronicles how government initiatives have shaped the country’s progress. It spans victories over formidable challenges—from defeating the Royal Navy to addressing slavery, extending railroads across the continent, overcoming the Nazis, rebuilding Europe post-World War II, and ultimately landing on the moon.
Today, Americans find themselves amid crises from the aftermath of 9/11 and the 2008 economic downturn to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the quest for optimism persists.
The issue is that this hope seems lacking in our leaders. Amidst a backdrop of dark rhetoric from some voices and struggles among Democrats to connect with broader audiences, we might still channel the vision expressed by Kennedy 63 years ago.
If a Democratic presidential hopeful can evoke that vision and embrace a renewed sense of shared purpose, it could not only sway the next election but also pave the way for the future.
