We just looked around, and he was gone. But let’s look at the people doing the looking.
JFK Jr.’s father said it best: Life is unfair. So much so that when John Jr. died in 1999, we should have placed a “Gone Fishing” sign on America and buried The Statue in Liberty in sand up to her chin.
Okay, so the 21st century did give us some awesome things, like The Middle on ABC, but it’s a world without John, so what’s the point?
Here he is, at the 1988 Democratic Convention, getting his sea legs, showing his promise and finding his voice.
Hell, we could have said, “Suck My Dukakis” and nominated John right then and there, but instead we did nothing.
Here also are the delegates who got to witness John get his start. We never tire of looking at John, but let’s look at the people looking at John:
:31: Cousin Joe Kennedy. However you feel about the Kennedys, these two would have been a far better alternative to the presidential family dynasty we had to endure instead.
:37: Man in pink shirt. His applause is enthusiastic, and John didn’t even start speaking yet. This is a good sign, and a much better sign than “Dukakis For President.”
:53 Man waving Dukakis banner. Despite his tie choice, he is history’s bad boy. History will judge him, but please be kind.
:54 Lady in oversized glasses. Her goggles are so large that she has to keep them from defying gravity. And gravity is not only a good idea; it’s the law. Hon, never wear white on TV.
1:41: Kind blonde woman in black blouse. She is already warming up, and says something encouraging to her seat mate. Oh, if only we could read lips. Her sincere, warm comment is lost to history.
2:30: Man in gray suit. Loosen up, bud. You’re too stiff. It’s only politics. And is the man next to you a Kennedy? Because he has Kennedy hair.
2:32: Woman in green dress. John is making her very wet. Watch her stroke that gray hair in a rather come-hither manner. You go, Cougar. We know how John gets you. Ain’t no shame in this game.
2:35: John in profile! That image should be slapped on an American coin. Let’s start a Facebook petition.
3:30: Party girl. That hairdo tells you that this girl is going to be up all night and drinking you under the table. Her smirk is serious.
3:33: Lady eating poporn. John looks like a movie star; therefore, yes, it is appropriate to be eating popcorn during his speech, just like you were at a Saturday night picture show.
3:52: Uncle Teddy. Kennedys don’t cry, nor do they get too emotional or bring it in for a man hug. The best we get is a bicep pat and a handshake and a few kind mumbles. Teddy, we’re gonna call you Uncle Mumbles. You’ve been through a lot, but pinch your nephew’s cheek. Show love.
5:03: Man waiting for his land-line to ring. Not sure who would be calling amidst all this glamour, but if the caller asks if you have Prince Albert in a can, tell them that, no, you have America’s prince, which is a better deal.
5:10: Wild-haired woman in smart business attire. It’s OK. You can look at John. You are strong and confident and liberated and you won’t melt like butter on national TV. Trust us. Go ahead. Look him straight in the eyes.
5:15: Connie Chung. Steady, now, Con. Stay smooth. Prove to us again and again that you’re Mrs. Maury Pouvich. OK, you scored an exclusive interview with the boy; now go untie Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters and Linda Ellerbee.
5:45: Man with headset. On national television, he made an honest attempt at not looking at John, but he can’t look away for long. Like all of us, he weakens. Can you blame him? He is us. We’re the man with the headset.
