Joseph P. Kennedy as U.S. ambassador to Britain (March 8, 1938-Oct. 22, 1940), in which post he distinguished himself as a defeatist about Britain’s ability to hold off Nazi Germany.
“Whenever you’re sitting across from some important person, always picture him sitting there in a suit of long underwear. That’s the way I always operated in business.’’
— Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888-1969), of Massachusetts. He was a businessman, investor and Democratic political figure known for his high-profile positions in the U.S. government during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, for the political and other achievements and tragedies of his children and for his ruthlessness.
