He failed to vote for the censure of the disgraceful Joe McCarthy in the 1950s.
He cozied up to Southern racist Senators in the late 1950s and seemingly embraced their backward views.
And at a time when many Americans looked to him for leadership on a major issue, he barely mentioned civil rights in his inaugural address.
His name is John Kennedy. He got elected president. Barely.
Politicians have to make compromises to win the offices they seek. You can't do good if you don't get elected. And to govern once elected, you need to build coalitions with people you don't always agree with.
Remember this the next time you hear a liberal pundit blast Barack Obama for "letting them down" with stances that are centrist.
He is way ahead in the polls now, but Michael Dukakis had a 17-point lead at a similar point in 1988. This election could be closer than many people think. Don't forget it.
And keep hope alive.
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