Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do not mean 'first, but'. I do not mean 'first, when'. I do not mean 'first, if'. I mean 'first —period'.


Speech of Senator John F. Kennedy, VFW Convention, Detroit, Michigan," August 26, 1960, box 910, Senate Speech Files, John F. Kennedy Papers, Pre-Presidential Papers, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

John F. Kennedy Quotes

Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do...

Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do...

Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do...

Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do...