Democrats: Definitions

Action needs definition, and both press and politicians have been wondering what to call President Kennedy and his New Frontiersmen. In the first week, “pragmatic liberals” was the vogue. Then Doris Fleeson, den mother of the liberal columnists, thought she had a better term: “contemporary” Democrats. After the State of the Union speech, the New York Times chipped in with “cautious activist.”

But Jack Kennedy is more direct. Asked at his second news conference whether he considered himself a liberal or a conservative, he said: “Well, I don’t call myself anything except a Democrat who’s been elected President of the United States,” adding, “And I hope that I’m a responsible President.”