Analyzing the new Kennedy tape

A newly released tape of a 18 September 1963 conversation between President Kennedy and NASA Administrator James Webb has been interpreted by some as showing that the president was looking for a way out of his Apollo commitment. This commentary analyses the meeting – in which Webb did most of the talking – and concludes instead that Kennedy was concerned about how to keep the program going in the face of growing criticism of its cost and goals. In particular there was discussion of how to ensure that his support for Apollo did not harm his chances of re-election. To Kennedy, giving Apollo a military rationale seemed the best way to ensure its support.

► In September 1963 President Kennedy discussed the declining support for Project Apollo.
► Kennedy thought that giving Apollo a “military shield” was the best way to proceed.
► NASA Administrator Webb suggested a variety of political tactics to create support.
► Kennedy also discussed a cooperative overture to the Soviet Union.