75 year old historian, David Rubenstein added context to the rare-air of living life as President of the United States at a recent event at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.  Christine Heenan, a JFK Library Foundation Board Member, moderated the fast-paced chat with the Zen-Master of political parlance. The dynamic-duo chronicled anecdotes from “The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency”, Rubenstein’s latest book.

Photo Credit : Jon Tadiello JFK Library Foundation / David Rubenstein 1/27/25

 

Their conversation flowed as fast as sand through an hour glass. Filling 60 minutes with rich detail the chalk-toped businessman and the former Clinton speechwriter poured encyclopedic details over the American landscape with ease. Together they flipped the calendar from a 1787 interpretation of George Washington’s emotional exhaustion to 2025 and Donald Trump’s energetic enterprises.

But, they added more than facts to the evening. The two spoke with humanity of the personal challenges faced by the men who have held the office of President of the United States.

Rubenstein, a friend of President Joe Biden and long-time supporter of Democrat causes navigated the arc of history with compassion, respect for facts and a touch of Kennedy-era poetry. Reciting by heart the last paragraph of President Kennedy’s Inaugural Address he said :

“Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking only His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”  Understood to be written by Kennedy aid, Ted Sorensen, the call to serve was designed to be inspirational rather than political.

Rubenstein said Sorensen’s mother believed their Unitarian faith was the foundation of Kennedy’s address. The touching remarks remain a touch-stone for Rubenstein who’s philanthropic compass was set by the Inaugural speech of 1961.

photo credit : Jon Tadiello JFK Library Foundation/ Christine Heenan /David Rubenstein 1/27/25

David Rubenstein’s “Highest Calling” honors history, changes our culture and impacts our future. As co-founder of The Carlyle Private Equity Group Rubenstein’s charitable donations contribute meaningfully to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Kennedy Center, the National Zoo, universities around the country and more institutions of ‘high standards, dedicated to leading the land we love.’ 

But, by far the greatest beneficiaries of the billionaire’s generosity are those who are open to being inspired by his example to serve and lead humanity knowing ‘here on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.’


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