We stand on the edge of a New Frontier—the frontier of unfulfilled hopes and dreams, a frontier of unknown opportunities and beliefs in peril. Beyond that frontier are uncharted areas of science and space, unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered problems of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus.
The “New Frontier” was originally planned for Kennedy’s speech in Democratic National Convention to gain his support into Democratic nominee. The slogan was so inspired to the American people that it eventually characterized his administration’s domestic policy.
Like President Harry S. Truman, Kennedy had a hard time getting many of his domestic programs passed by the Congress. Nevertheless, he did get an improved minimum wage, enhanced Social Security benefits, and an urban renewal package passed. He also established the Peace Corps, and his aspiration to get to the moon by the end of the 60's found overwhelming support from the American people.
On the matter of Civil Rights reform, Kennedy did not confront the Southern Democrats. A direct confrontation over such a sensitive issue could lead to a decline in popularity within his party. The civil right movements for African American were led by Martin Luther King, Jr. He believed that only by breaking unjust laws and accepting the consequences could African Americans show the true nature of their treatment. The movement was solely based on nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. Kennedy used executive orders and personal appeals to aid the movement. His legislative programs, however, would not pass until after his death. His Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson, took over the program and eventually got it passed by the Congress.
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