In a history thesis, a student argues that the legacy of President John F. Kennedy is often evaluated based on his charisma and symbolic hope rather than the specific legislative details of his short tenure.
Which quotation from a historian would best exemplify the student's argument?
"Kennedy’s legislative record is a dense tapestry of complex bills regarding trade and taxation."
"While his actual policy achievements were limited by a stalled Congress, Kennedy remains immortalized as the beacon of a new American optimism."
"Historians have long debated the strategic efficacy of Kennedy’s foreign policy decisions during the Cold War."
"The meticulous audio recordings of the Kennedy White House reveal a president deeply involved in the minutiae of governance."
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The student argues Kennedy is evaluated as a "symbolic figure" rather than for "tangible accomplishments." The quote states his "actual policy achievements were limited" but he is "immortalized as the beacon of... optimism" (symbolic). This matches the argument perfectly.
Choice A focuses on the complexity of his legislation (tangible). Choice C focuses on strategic debates about policy. Choice D focuses on his involvement in governance details.