In many respects, the dialogue sounded like an old morality play, and in many respects it was just that. Front and center stood John F. Kennedy, surrounded by a hostile chorus whose outcry ranged from rage through bluster, hysteria and lament. The chorus was the U.S. press. Like all his predecessors, the country's 35th President seemed to be infringing on the press's most treasured possession, freedom. And with the spirit of long experience, the press sounded the traditional discords of protest.
As with most morality plays, this classic conflict between President and press...