Kennedy's Inaugural is considered one of the finest ever delivered by an American president. Many political historians agree that the speech delivered characteristics of realism, idealism, historical reference, and strength, all of which are necessary to a successful presidency. Kennedy was clear that the United States would pay any price to assure the success of liberty. He was a Cold Warrior with a tone of strength, but he knew that every nation would be listening to the speech, especially the Soviet Union.
The speech also suggests that with freedom also comes a responsibility, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. This statement was intended to rally all Americans towards