Ted Sorensen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ted Sorensen
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Sorensen in 1983
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| White House Counsel | |
| In office January 20, 1961 – February 29, 1964 |
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| President | John F. Kennedy Lyndon Johnson |
| Preceded by | David Kendall |
| Succeeded by | Mike Feldman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Theodore Chaikin Sorensen
May 8, 1928 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | October 31, 2010 (aged 82) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Camilla Palmer (1949, divorced) Sara Elbery (1964, divorced) Gillian Martin (1969) |
| Children | 4, including Juliet |
| Relatives | Christian A. Sorensen (father) Philip C. Sorensen (brother) |
| Education | University of Nebraska, Lincoln (BA, LLB) |
Theodore Chaikin Sorensen (May 8, 1928 – October 31, 2010) was an American lawyer and writer. He was a very important adviser and speechwriter for President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy even called him his "intellectual blood bank." This meant Sorensen was full of ideas and knowledge.
Sorensen helped write many of Kennedy's famous speeches. He also worked on the book Profiles in Courage. This book won Kennedy a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sorensen was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. His father, Christian A. Sorensen, was the state's attorney general. His mother was Annis Chaikin Sorensen. His younger brother, Philip C. Sorensen, later became the lieutenant governor of Nebraska.
Ted Sorensen went to Lincoln High School. He then studied at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He graduated at the top of his class from law school there.
In 1953, when he was 24, Sorensen started working for Senator John F. Kennedy. He helped Kennedy write many articles and speeches. Sorensen later said he wrote most of the first drafts for Kennedy's book Profiles in Courage.
Working with President Kennedy
Sorensen's Role in the White House
Ted Sorensen was President Kennedy's special adviser and main speechwriter. This is the job he is most remembered for. He helped write Kennedy's inaugural address. This speech included the famous line: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Sorensen said that Kennedy himself wrote this famous part.
At first, Sorensen focused on issues inside the United States. After a difficult event called the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Kennedy asked Sorensen to help with foreign policy too. Foreign policy is about how a country deals with other countries.
The Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Sorensen was part of a special group called EXCOMM. This group advised the president during a very tense time. The crisis was about missiles in Cuba that could threaten the United States. Sorensen helped write important messages to the leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev. He also worked on Kennedy's speech to the nation about the crisis.
After Kennedy's Death
Sorensen was very sad when President Kennedy was assassinated. He called it the "most deeply traumatic experience of my life." He felt like he had lost a close friend and leader.
He offered to leave his job, but President Lyndon B. Johnson asked him to stay for a while. Sorensen helped Johnson write his first speech to Congress. He officially left the White House in February 1964.
After leaving, Sorensen wrote a book about Kennedy called Kennedy. It was published in 1965 and became very popular around the world.
Life After the White House
Continuing in Politics and Law
Sorensen joined a law firm and stayed involved in politics. He advised Robert F. Kennedy during his presidential campaign in 1968. After Robert Kennedy's death, Sorensen wrote a book about the Kennedy brothers' political ideas.
For the next 40 years, Sorensen worked as an international lawyer. He advised governments and large companies around the world.
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter wanted Sorensen to lead the CIA. However, Sorensen's nomination was withdrawn. Some people in the Senate were concerned because he had been a conscientious objector when he was young. This meant he refused to serve in the military for moral reasons.
Speaking Out and Advising
Sorensen often spoke out about his ideas for a better society. He wrote articles and gave speeches on many topics. He was part of several important groups, like the Council On Foreign Relations.
In 2007, Sorensen supported Barack Obama for president. He spoke about how Obama's campaign was similar to John F. Kennedy's. He also helped President Obama with his first speech as president in 2009.
Personal Life and Recognition
Ted Sorensen was married three times. He had three sons from his first marriage and a daughter from his third marriage. His third wife was Gillian Sorensen.
In 2010, he received the National Humanities Medal. This award recognized his work in helping us understand American politics. It honored him for shaping messages and policies for President Kennedy.
Death
Ted Sorensen passed away on October 31, 2010, in New York City. He was 82 years old.
See also
- "Ich bin ein Berliner"
- American University speech
- Profiles in Courage (1964 TV series)
