List of Theodore C. Sorensen Quotes

Theodore Chaikin Sorensen, Born On May 8, 1928, In Lincoln, Nebraska, Was A Prominent American Lawyer, Writer, And Presidential Adviser, Best Known For His Role As A Close Confidant And Speechwriter To President John F. Kennedy. Often Referred To As Kennedy’s “intellectual Blood Bank,” Sorensen Played A Crucial Part In Shaping The Rhetoric And Policies Of The Kennedy Administration.

His Collaboration With Kennedy On The Pulitzer Prize-winning Book Profiles In Courage and His Work On Pivotal Speeches, Including Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, Cemented His Legacy As One Of The Most Influential Figures In American Political History. Sorensen’s Career Extended Beyond The White House, Where He Continued To Impact International Law And Public Service Until His Death On October 31, 2010.

Early Life And Education

• Birth: May 8, 1928, In Lincoln, Nebraska.
• Family Background: Son Of Christian A. Sorensen, A Danish-American Attorney And Politician, And Annis Chaikin Sorensen, Who Was Of Russian Jewish Descent.
• Education:
• Attended University Of Nebraska.
• Earned A Bachelor’s Degree In Law In 1949.
• Received A Juris Doctor From The University Of Nebraska College Of Law In 1951.

Career Beginnings

• Move To Washington D.C.: Relocated To Washington D.C. After Completing Law School.
• Early Political Involvement:
• Joined Senator John F. Kennedy’s Staff In 1953 As A Legislative Assistant.
• Quickly Became A Key Adviser And Speechwriter For Kennedy.

Role With John F. Kennedy

• Speechwriting:
• Known For Crafting Many Of Kennedy’s Most Memorable Speeches.
• Contributed Significantly To Kennedy’s Inaugural Address With The Famous Line: “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You—ask What You Can Do For Your Country”.
• Collaboration On Profiles In Courage:
• Assisted Kennedy In Writing Profiles In Courage, Which Won The Pulitzer Prize For Biography In 1957.
• Cuban Missile Crisis:
• Played A Pivotal Role During The Cuban Missile Crisis By Drafting Letters And Advising On Strategy That Helped Avert Nuclear Conflict.

Post-Kennedy Career

• Resignation From White House:
• Resigned From His Position Shortly After Kennedy’s Assassination But Stayed On Briefly To Assist President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• Legal Career:
• Joined The New York City Law Firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP In 1966.
• Became A Prominent International Lawyer Advising Governments And Corporations Worldwide.
• Political Involvement:
• Nominated By President Jimmy Carter As Director Of Central Intelligence In 1977; Nomination Was Withdrawn Due To Opposition.
• Continued Influence:
• Served As An Adviser And Strategist For Various Political Campaigns And Initiatives Throughout His Life.

Literary Contributions

• Books Authored:
• Kennedy (1965) – A Bestselling Biography Of John F. Kennedy.
• Counselor: A Life At The Edge Of History (2008) – A Memoir Reflecting On His Experiences With JFK And Beyond.

Personal Life

• Marriages: Married Three Times; Survived By His Third Wife Gillian Martin Sorensen.
• Children: Four Children – Juliet, Eric, Stephen, And Philip Sorensen.
• Heritage: Identified As A Danish Russian Jewish Unitarian; Valued Education And Social Justice.

Legacy And Honors

• Impact On Public Service:
• Established Scholarships And Fellowships At The University Of Nebraska To Support Students Committed To Public Service.
• Recognition:
• Received Numerous Awards For His Contributions To Public Service And Literature.
• Death: Passed Away On October 31, 2010, At The Age Of 82.

Key Contributions Table

Theodore C. Sorensen’s Life Was Marked By His Profound Influence On American Politics Through His Close Association With John F. Kennedy. His Legacy Endures Through His Contributions To Literature, Law, And Public Service.