JFK - Essentials

JFK's campaign for president is the first to be waged on television, a distinct advantage for the telegenic candidate. Despite his lack of legislative achievements and his Catholicism -- which many Americans see as a negative -- Kennedy wins the election on the promise that he will stand up to the Soviets and protect American preeminence in the world.

This episode follows Kennedy into the White House, offering fresh assessments of the successes and failures of his tenure. In 1961, the most challenging issue facing the new administration is the spread of communism and continuing Cold War fears. Only a few months into his first term, Kennedy launches the Bay of Pigs invasion, an unmitigated disaster that teaches him a powerful lesson. Nikita Khrushchev proves a stubborn foe, and Kennedy takes a stand against the spread of communism in a country few Americans had ever heard of--Vietnam. On the domestic front, civil rights prove tricky for the administration, as they rely heavily on the support of Southern Democrats. Forced to intervene when Freedom Riders take direct action in Southern states, the administration sends in federal marshals to ensure their safety. Health issues continue to plague the president and pain is a constant companion. Glamorous first lady Jackie captivates the world on her travels, while rumors of the president's womanizing continue in Washington.

Very worthwhile CNN documentary about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is examined through eye witness accounts, details of the original investigation, and films of the assassination itself. Also examined is the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby.

On November 22, 1963, three shots that killed President John Fitzgerald Kennedy changes everything

Modern forensic science re-examines the evidence in the assassination of President Kennedy.

The J.F.K. Assassination: Investigation Reopened.

On November 22, 1963, Abraham Zapruder captured the assassination of President Kennedy on film. But 12 other photographers also shot footage of the motorcade. Piecing together those images is the only way to get a complete picture of that tragic event.

The 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy is re-investigated using modern technology and contemporary scientific techniques. Included: ballistics experts reconstruct the shooting in a test of the "single bullet theory".

At heart of mystery of who killed John F. Kennedy lies puzzle of Lee Harvey Oswald.

An unprecedented account of how the JFK assassination reverberated through American society, triggering a culture of conspiracy that resonates to this very day.

This program reviews the theory that Lee Harvey Oswald was recruited by organized crime leaders to murder President John Kennedy based on the crack down on crime by Bobby Kennedy (the President's brother and Attorney General) and Oswald's murder by mob associate Jack Ruby.

Australian detective Colin McLaren investigates the JFK assassination using ballistics expert Howard Donahue's evidence of a second shooter in Dealey Plaza.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy is perhaps the most charismatic person to have held the office of President of the United States. This program examines the enduring influence of his presidency on each of the nine men who have come after him.

A detailed examination of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, with emphasis on the discrepancies and inconsistencies in the government's official version of events.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the president of the United States, told in real time by those who were there.

The story of the Civil Rights Movement interstate busing protest campaign.

Captures the frantic rush to the local hospital, the public chaos that ensued, the quickly mobilized manhunt by law enforcement looking for a suspect after witnesses identified the source of the gunshots as the Texas Book Depository, and the clash and confusion of media and authorities as Oswald is brought in for interrogation.

Forty years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, more than 80% of Americans still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone. This documentary attempts to separate fact from conspiracy theories to get to the truth.

News footage, radio reports, audio recordings and home movies of the day the president died are assembled into a detailed timeline.