The Kennedy Legacy: What If They All Lived?

Would the United States be a different place if the lives of the Kennedy family, including Joe Jr., JFK, RFK, JFK Jr., and Kathleen, had not been cut tragically short? The harsh reality is that regardless of whether the Kennedys had chosen a different path away from politics, their prominence still would have stirred resentment and speculation. Their impact, both positive and negative, would remain a significant part of American history.

The Potential Presidential Candidates

Some insist that Bill Clinton and Barack Obama would not have risen to prominence without the Kennedy legacy. This is a bit speculative, as their successes were based on their own efforts and charisma. Had the deaths not occurred, there certainly would have been a strong urge to replace those losses with someone who could impersonate the Kennedys' appeal and leadership traits. However, history can be unpredictable, and the 'Crypt Keeper' attempting to play President now (marking a clear reference to Joe Biden) is a testament to the ongoing fascination with the Kennedy family.

JFK and Jackie: A Divorced Couple?

What if JFK had remained married to Jackie Kennedy for the rest of his days? The circumstances surrounding their divorce suggest a different narrative. It is widely believed that Jackie negotiated a higher payment from JFK to stay with him, ensuring she remained a public figure and symbol of the Kennedy family. Without this negotiation, it is possible that they would not have remained together. Additionally, if the younger Kennedys had survived, they could have contributed more to the family’s legacy with more babies, further expanding their influence.

Prominent Wealth and Scandal

The Kennedys were a prominent and wealthy family whose prominence and wealth often brought about resentment and jealousy among some. Even if they had not entered politics, their prominence would have still attracted scrutiny and criticism. Moreover, the family's history of scandals would have continued, with JFK, in particular, having had the opportunity to see the consequences of his actions play out at a later age before his scandalous behavior was fully exposed.

The Early End of Their Influence

One of the challenges in answering the 'what if' question is the idea that the Kennedys' influence was so powerful precisely because it was so brief. Had President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, or others lived longer, the world might have been a different place. However, we can never truly know how that would have played out because history is complex and often unpredictable. The brief, dramatic period of the Kennedy family in the public eye remains one of the most enigmatic and fascinating chapters in American history.

Speculating about what might have happened is indeed idiotic. Instead, we should focus on appreciating the unique contributions and lasting impact the Kennedys had on American society. As we reflect on their legacy, we can only wonder at the 'what ifs' and the ways in which their history continues to guide us.