Connor McClellan- The President Calling

I listened to President John F. Kennedy negotiate with Ross Barnett, as he debated the conditions of James Meredith's admission to the University of Mississippi. Kennedy's interests were maintaining law and order in Mississippi, to prevent riots and unnecessary violence. Kennedy took multiple, careful measures to achieve his goals, no matter how the negotiations with Governor Barnett went. The secret recordings of the phone conversations between Kennedy and Barnett were a fallback for the president to use if he could not successfully come to a reasonable agreement. While talking to Barnett, Kennedy kept a calm and confident attitude. He respected the governor's opinions and position but made it clear that, as president, he had duties and responsibilities to carry out as well, and he was intent on enforcing the Supreme Court's ruling. As soon as Barnett strayed from the agreed upon course of action, Kennedy immediately threatened to publicly release the negotiations between himself and the governor. Doing so would have put Barnett in a compromising position, as his selfish interests of popularity with his state would have been exposed. However, releasing the tapes would have put Kennedy in a position of power. The people would see him as a man of honor, preserving the integrity of the nation and attempting to prevent any bloodshed. This skillful move by Kennedy made it clear to Barnett that he had lost, and had to comply to preserve his position in government.